Portuguese Government Studies Algarve Water Supply Plan

The news in Portuguese

Translation

The Portuguese government aims to improve water supply in the Algarve. They intend to use water from the Alqueva dam to assist in this effort. Spain has allowed Portugal to utilise water from the Guadiana River. Additionally, projects will support communities in gaining better access to water. It is a crucial plan to enhance water management in the country.

Exercise: Text comprehension

Question 1: What country let Portugal use water from the Guadiana river?

Spain let Portugal use water from the Guadiana river.

Question 2: What is the purpose of the water supply plan in Algarve?

The purpose is to improve water management in the country and help communities have more access to water.

Exercise: Vocabulary

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▌16/12/2024

The Portuguese government is exploring a new initiative to address water supply issues in the Algarve region by harnessing resources from the Alqueva reservoir. This ambitious plan involves linking Alqueva to the Santa Clara reservoir in the Alentejo and subsequently to the Bravura dam in the Algarve.

During an announcement in Faro, Maria da Graça Carvalho, Minister of Environment and Energy, revealed that the integration of these reservoirs is made feasible following Spain's approval for Portugal to use 60 cubic hectometres of water from the River Guadiana. The plan allocates 30 cubic hectometres for the Pomarão water intake and another 30 for bolstering Alqueva. Carvalho emphasized that this strategic move is currently under study and aims to establish robust water links capable of distributing water efficiently to both the eastern and western parts of the Algarve.

This development coincides with the launch of the construction tender for the Pomarão water intake project, during which multiple agreements were also ratified to implement water accessibility solutions for communities in Mesquita and Espírito Santo within the Beja district. These agreements envision improving water supply to approximately 300 residents who have long relied on water delivery via tanker trucks despite the proximity to abundant water resources.

Portuguese Government Studies Algarve Water Supply Plan (Illustration)

Furthering the efforts to address water resilience, Carvalho mentioned plans for significant interventions in the wetlands and stream systems of Baixo Alentejo and the Algarve. Funded with a 40 million euro budget from the Regional Operational Programme, the initiative includes establishing two significant water reserves at the Vascão and Odeceixe rivers. These are positioned to be crucial for national water management strategies.

Moreover, coordinated efforts with the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) and the Mértola municipal council are underway to prepare studies for revitalizing the Guadiana riverbanks. Part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan reprogramming, a proposal for 10 million euros funding has been submitted to the European Commission to enhance the river's ecological and aesthetic value beyond merely economic use.

The announcement event also marked the inauguration of the Water Pavilion, an exhibition organized by Águas do Algarve, highlighting ongoing enhancements and collaborations in water management including agreements with municipal authorities to rectify and improve water infrastructure and sanitation in regions like Castro Marim.

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