Murcia president warns of ‘covert closure’ of vital water transfer

The suspension of water deliveries following two canal breaks threatens supplies for farms and homes across the Region

The suspension of water deliveries through the Tajo-Segura transfer could cost the Region of Murcia €260 million and put 5,600 jobs at risk, according to regional president Fernando López Miras.

Speaking during a session in the regional Assembly on Wednesday October 21, López Miras warned that the interruption would have serious consequences for the local economy. He described the situation as a “covert closure” of the water transfer, accusing the central government of using the repair work to push ahead with plans to replace transferred water with desalinated supplies.

The disruption follows two breaks in the canal, one in Guadalajara and another at Talave in Albacete. Water deliveries have been suspended to prevent further damage to the infrastructure while the necessary repairs are carried out.

The work is expected to take between four and five months, according to forecasts from the Tagus River Basin Authority.

López Miras estimates that the Region will lose access to 65 cubic hectometres of water intended for irrigation, along with another 20 cubic hectometres for public water supplies.

He said each cubic hectometre generates around €4 million in economic activity and supports 86 jobs, forming the basis of his warning about the potential financial and employment losses.

The regional president also criticised what he described as delays in declaring the repairs an emergency, arguing that action should have been taken sooner following the damage to the canal.

He accused the central government of deliberately targeting the transfer, claiming the interruption would fulfil Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's promise to close water transfers and replace them with desalinated water.

López Miras also directed criticism at Socialist representatives from Murcia, accusing them of complicity after voting against measures in Congress intended to protect the Tajo-Segura transfer.

The regional PP's parliamentary spokesman, Joaquín Segado, echoed those complaints, describing the water supply suspension as part of what he called a continuing pattern of unfair treatment towards Murcia.

He also pointed to concerns over investment in the Mar Menor, railway infrastructure and the Region's funding arrangements, calling for an end to what he described as a system that leaves some citizens treated better than others.

The water transfer is a vital source of irrigation for agricultural businesses across south-eastern Spain, making the length of the repair work and the availability of alternative supplies particularly important for farmers facing months without their usual deliveries.

Image 1: CHT

Image 2: CARM