From typicallyspanish.com
Water needed for farmers - and a golf course
By h.b.
May 12, 2008 - 8:00 AM
The man who has been leading the demands for water transfers for the Alicante area from the Ebro and Júcar rivers, the President of one of the farmers associations, Andrés Martínez, has revealed plans to build a golf course and chalets in the Villena area.
El País reveals his plans to build as many as 1,200 homes and says the project has already been approved by the local town hall.
The land involved is mostly owned by the tennis player, Juan Carlos Ferrero, and the project is being promoted by Prosport Golf, a company 50% owned by the Horfres company and 50% by the tennis player. Ferrero has also taken part in demonstrations demanding water transfers for the region from the Ebro river.
Local group ‘Xúquer Viu’ – Júcar lives – has questioned Andres Martínez for demanding water for farmers on the one hand, and planning a golf course on the other, accusing him of defending personal interests ahead of those of agriculture in the area.
The Regantes de Villena also caused controversy last week after reaching a deal to sell water to the Danone multimational company for a water bottling plant. 0.2 cubic hectometres is to be sold annually for 240,000 €.