The modernisation of the Alvor Irrigation Scheme represents an investment of around €15 million and is designed to reduce water losses across the Alvor-Bravura Irrigation line.
Agriculture and Maritime Affairs Minister José Manuel Fernandes visited the works on Friday morning, 28 August. According to the minister, once the full programme of interventions is completed, the system could cut water losses by up to 60%.
That would amount to approximately 19 million cubic metres of water a year, while generating estimated annual savings of around €2 million.
The first phase of upgrades includes the construction of a new reservoir, a pumping station, and a filtration plant. The project also involves the modernisation of around two kilometres of the main conveyance canal, with enclosed pipelines being installed inside the existing structure.
Energy efficiency is another component of the project. Photovoltaic panels will be installed to help power the pumping station, reducing the costs associated with pumping water.
The overall aim is to cut losses throughout the distribution network and improve water efficiency for agricultural activity within the irrigation network.
During his visit, José Manuel Fernandes confirmed plans to proceed with a second phase of the modernisation, estimated to cost around €40 million. The next stage is expected to extend the works and deliver further efficiency gains across the system. No timetable or funding source has yet been announced for this phase.
The Alvor Irrigation Scheme is linked to the Bravura Dam, built in 1958, and was originally designed to serve around 1,800 hectares and hundreds of beneficiaries.
Nearly seven decades on, the modernisation programme is intended to bring the ageing infrastructure in line with current demands for greater water, energy and environmental efficiency.
The Alvor-Bravura project forms part of the Government’s “Water that Unites” strategy. “We need to manage water intelligently, ensuring it is available for human consumption, agriculture, industry, tourism, the environment, and civil protection,” José Manuel Fernandes said.
The minister also stressed the importance of public investment aimed at reducing water consumption and losses. “This is investment, not expenditure. This is a return,” he said.
Fernandes also rejected attempts to place the blame for water-use problems on farmers. “Sometimes farmers are portrayed as the villains. I usually say they are the environment’s best friends. Farmers are among those who save the most water,” he said.
The visit was attended by José Apolinário, president of the Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR Algarve), and vice-president Fernando Severino.
Also present were José Eduardo Reis, director-general of the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development; the mayors of Portimão and Lagos, Álvaro Bila and Hugo Pereira; MP Cristóvão Norte; and Joaquim Messias Calado, president of the Alvor Irrigators and Beneficiaries Association.
Source: Jornal do Algarve
Photo credit: Sul Informação
