Summary:
Government moves forward with desalination plant despite legal challenges
Geological prospecting begins for €108 million project in Albufeira
Three pending court cases regarding public utility and land expropriation
Minister assures projects are on schedule for completion by 2026
Environmentalists warn of destructive impact on marine biodiversity and protected areas
Government's Stance on the Desalination Plant
The Portuguese government is pressing ahead with the construction of a desalination plant in Albufeira, Algarve, despite facing three ongoing legal challenges. According to the Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, court decisions do not halt the works associated with the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).
Geological Prospecting Begins
This week marked the start of geological prospecting work, fulfilling a contract signed last October with a Luso-Spanish consortium worth €108 million. The desalination facility will be situated near Praia da Rocha Baixinha in Albufeira. Property owner Albida Ferreiro noted that machinery arrived last Friday, with work expected to last two to three weeks.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Currently, there are three pending court cases: one challenging the Declaration of Public Utility, another regarding the improper expropriation of land, and a third concerning the Environmental Impact Declaration (DIA). Despite these challenges, Minister Carvalho affirmed the government’s commitment to proceed with the project, stating, “We will continue the works, even with these cases.”
Future Projects in Algarve
In addition to the desalination plant, other significant projects funded by EU funds include the connection of Pomarão (Guadiana River) to the public water supply system and the construction of another desalination plant near Praia da Falésia. Carvalho assured that these projects are on schedule and expected to be completed by 2026.
Environmental Concerns
However, the Sustainable Waters Platform (PAS) has raised alarms over the environmental impact of the desalination plant, claiming it leaves a destructive footprint on biodiversity, marine life, and water quality in protected maritime areas like the Natural Park of Pedra do Valado and Ria Formosa. Environmentalists criticize the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) for favoring harmful projects over sustainable groundwater recharge techniques.
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