Junta announces four-billion-euro SOS plan to tackle drought in Andalucía

Moreno said the lack of water is currently jeopardising nearly one-quarter of the productive system in Andalucía and having a major effect on farming and tourism, two strategic sectors for the economy of the region.

The SOS plan will include adapting sewage treatment plants so recycled waste water can be used; improving and building transport and desalination facilities; minimising the risk of floods, protecting and recovering underground water supplies and re-naturalising rivers, among other projects. There will also be an awareness campaign to encourage people to monitor how they use their water.

The president of the Andalusian government also expressed his concern that the government in Madrid had reduced investment in water-related projects in this region by 12% in next year’s Budget, and said he was waiting for an explanation.

He also said the Junta is calling on the EU to be sufficiently flexible about the use of Next Generation funds so these can be used to finance crucial works.