Over 1000 people joined the protest to demand solutions to water shortages yesterday and while some demonstrators blocked the RM 714, causing tailbacks, others caused delays on the road to Cieza by driving in slow single file.
The farmers and smallholders of the Trasvase Tajo-Segura of the area Calasparra-Cieza, face a crisis as their irrigation water was be cut off from last night putting 4500 hectares of fruit trees at risk:
“They build motorways, airports and high speed railway lines to link regions, why can´t they build motorways for water to take it where it is needed?” the President of the Irrigation Community Tajo Segura, Miguel Martínez Alcázar, asked at the protest.
The Community called the demonstration which was attended by more than 1000 people including farmers, smallholders, members of the public and local dignitaries including the Mayor of Calasparra, Jose Velez, and the ex Mayor, Jesus Navarro, to demand measures to tackle the water shortage.
“We will continue our protests through next week until they give us a solution. We can´t let our trees die, this is part of the garden of Europe. If they disappear it will mean ruin for the area,” continued the President.
The Community also faces a fine of 1.8 million euros for extracting water illegally from underwater wells when, according to the President, a spoken agreement to do so was given by the Mayors of Calasparra and Cieza.
