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Date Published: 20/09/2023
Debris and rubbish cleared from Orihuela city river
Much of the accumulated waste flows downstream from the Region of Murcia
Waste, plastic and floating vegetation are unfortunately a common site on the surface of the Segura River as it passes through the heart of Orihuela, despite the fact that a fence has been erected near the Ociopía shopping centre that is designed to prevent materials from being swept into the water from surrounding homes and businesses and, in particular, the neighbouring Region of Murcia.
As a consequence, Orihuela City Council regularly dredges the river and the expansive task has been carried out again this week. The operation has the authorisation of the Segura Hydrographic Confederation (CHS) and is being overseen by Councillor for the Environment, Noelia Grao.
Workers have taken advantage of the low level of the tide to transfer machinery onto the river bed that will scoop up reeds and urban waste, a job that should take a maximum of two days.
Ms Grao explained that "these are maintenance works planned within the Department of the Environment and that they are being carried out taking advantage of the drop in flow due to the change of the gates, so we proceed to clean reeds and floating waste in the urban section from the river."
It’s a vital task, since traditional irrigators regularly use water from this city centre section of the river and they have frequently complained about blockages in flow caused by the accumulation of rubbish and plants.
The flow of waste and large quantities of plastics from the Region of Murcia upstream is a recurring problem brought to the attention of the CHS. Citizen groups have warned that the degree of plastic pollution in the Segura River and along the coast in general is "completely unacceptable."
In other news: Decomposed body uncovered in Orihuela Costa
Image: Ayuntamiento de Orihuela
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