Government Accused of Abandoning Vega Baja Over Flood Protection Failures

The Valencian People’s Party (PPCV) has accused the Spanish Government of abandoning flood protection efforts in the Vega Baja region, following the completion of only 5% of a €330 million flood prevention programme. María Gómez, the PPCV’s water spokesperson in the Valencian Parliament, described the lack of progress as "unacceptable" as the seventh anniversary of the 2019 floods approaches.

Despite repeated promises, many crucial projects remain stuck in planning and administrative procedures, leaving residents anxious about future storms. Major schemes, such as the La Campaneta flood corridor and the Abanilla ravine channel improvements, are still in the preliminary design stage. The Segura River Basin Authority, responsible for many major flood prevention measures, has also faced obstacles from affected councils, irrigation communities, and traditional water courts.

However, the PPCV highlighted other projects, such as the Segura River mouth improvement at Guardamar and the Azarbe del Señor green corridor, which are being carried out by the public company Tragsa and amount to approximately €16 million. Gómez urged the Spanish Government and the CHS to accelerate outstanding projects and provide realistic completion schedules, warning that climate-related emergencies will not wait for political delays.