Boost for rural Algarve
A NEW dam to be constructed in Odelouca looks set to provide an inland tourism opportunity as well as supplying much needed quality water.
The project, which is being organised by the Instituto da Água, has as its priority the need for water. Demand in the region is increasing and the continuing degradation of underground water stores, especially nearer to the equator, plus the lack of water in critical years, have made the search for alternative sources imperative.
Allied to the new dam will be a tourism project, due to comprise two rural hotels at a cost of four million euros, one larger hotel of the same cost and a camp site costing two and a half million euros.
Construction of these, however, will depend on the results of geological surveys relating to the environment and sewage management.
Car parking facilities and access to the site will also have to be planned and constructed.
Two picnic areas and car parks are also in the pipeline, at a further estimated cost of 36,000 euros, plus a terrace estimated at 30,000 euros.
The total cost of building the earth dam, which will be 76 metres high, is thought to be 40 million euros, with a further 20 million being spent on the environment.
Vital project
The project will be inspected by CENOR, Consultores S.A. and FBO, Consultores S.A. The companies undertaking the building of the dam are NECSO Entrecanales Cubiertas S.A. and Construtora do TÂMEGA S.A.
The Odelouca dam will become the primary water storage and transportation system for several concelhos, including Albufeira, Lagoa, Silves, Portimão, Lagos, Vila do Bispo, Aljezur e Monchique and part of Loulé.
In order to guarantee the quality of the water in the dam, a residual water treatment station will be constructed in the village of São Marcos da Serra, Silves, which will involve an investment of one million euros.
The plan also includes the installation of a plant to treat residual water from pig farming.
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