The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has voiced strong opposition to the new desalination plant planned by the Ministry for Ecological Transition. The Ministry aims to announce the project next month, intending to install a facility that will produce one hundred cubic hectometres of water annually. Dolón emphasises that the local council was not consulted about this decision prior to the announcement and insists on clear communication from the Ministry regarding its plans.

Dolón warns that the construction of this new plant would nearly double the current desalination capacity of the city, which could have significant environmental implications. Currently, Torrevieja’s existing desalination plant produces eighty cubic hectometres per year and is being expanded to one hundred and twenty cubic hectometres. Dolón stresses the need for urgency and transparency on this matter, urging the Ministry to explain why a second plant is necessary in Torrevieja rather than considering alternative locations along Spain’s extensive coastline.

The mayor also points out that plans for territorial restoration in Torrevieja have been stalled, highlighting the need for the Ministry to address these outstanding projects before new initiatives are introduced. He cites delays in works on pedestrian paths and community projects that have been promised by ACUAMED, the Spanish public water company.

Dolón has requested an urgent meeting with the Ministry of Ecological Transition to fulfil local restoration commitments and to permit the council to assess environmental and territorial concerns related to the proposed desalination plant’s location. He stresses transparency and collaboration, especially noting the importance of keeping the local government informed to maintain the welfare of Torrevieja residents.