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Urgell Canals Irrigators Criticize Modernization Agreement Over Lack of Transparency

Several user communities question the pact presented by the Government and the canal's board, denouncing unilateral decisions.

Generic image of irrigation pipes in dry earth.
IA

Generic image of irrigation pipes in dry earth.

A significant portion of the 21 irrigation communities of the Urgell Canals expressed their disagreement this Wednesday with the modernization agreement presented last Friday by the Government and the canal's board, citing a lack of transparency and unilateral decisions.

Representatives from ten collectives, including presidents and trustees, have expressed their surprise at the pact, noting that at the last canal board meeting, held just two days before the agreement's presentation, it was decided to continue working towards a consensus on a modernization project that would defend the irrigators' interests. "There has been no consensus, nor has any proposal been approved. Therefore, what was made public the other day was not true," stated the president of collective number 13.
Those present at the press conference, which included representatives from water supply and hydroelectric plants, emphasized their support for the modernization of the hydraulic infrastructure but criticized the role played by the General Community of Irrigators of the Urgell Canals in this process.
The criticisms focus on the alleged "lack of transparency and information" from the canal's management. The representatives, who are also members of the governing board, assert that the project presented by the canal's president, Amadeu Ros, and the Minister of Agriculture, Òscar Ordeig, was developed "behind their backs."
As they explained, at the board meeting held a few days prior, the need to seek consensus for a proposal satisfactory to the irrigators was agreed upon. "What nobody knew was that on Friday an agreement with the administration would be made public that none of us here knew about," affirmed the president of collective 13, referring to the meeting on Thursday, June 4, where a new board meeting is expected.
The collectives are requesting "respect" as members and for the community's functioning, arguing that the president cannot publicly announce agreements that they have not subscribed to. They also criticize that the new agreement does not address key points for the irrigators' decision-making, such as aid for farm adaptation or the need for land consolidation.
Regarding the statement issued by the canal's administration, which conditioned modernization on aid for farm adaptation, it is interpreted as a response to the complaints raised by the irrigators.

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