The works, with an investment of 2,264,300.72 euros, are expected to last six months and will guarantee a supply of 190 cubic meters per hectare during drought periods. The beneficiary municipalities are in Priorat: Margalef, la Bisbal de Montsant, Cabacés, la Vilella Baixa, and la Figuera, along with la Palma d'Ebre in Ribera d'Ebre.
“"The Government must get to work to modernize irrigation systems and be more resilient and better prepared for drought."
The new infrastructure will activate a 3,830-meter pipeline that will transport water from the Garrigues Sud irrigation pumping station, which draws from the Flix reservoir, to the Margalef reservoir by gravity. This solution ensures supply to the 2,553.90 hectares of crops dependent on the Montsant Irrigators Community.
“"This is a crucial project to guarantee the survival of these towns in Priorat and Ribera d'Ebre. Without water, there is no way to retain young people, have viable farms, fight climate change, or combat fires."
Despite the investment, the Montsant irrigators have asked the Ebro Hydrographic Confederation (CHE) to reduce the river's ecological flow, which was tripled in the last revision of the hydrological plan. According to Ricard Massip, the current capacity of 2.1 hectometers is insufficient for agricultural uses, and restrictions make it difficult even to guarantee drinking water in summer.
“"We cannot depend on climate change or other countries that, due to a political change, leave us without food. In this game, farmers must have guaranteed water. It is extremely important."
