"The Algarve Desalination Plant cannot be transformed into a new Lisbon Airport, discussing its location for the next 50 years," said the Socialist MP elected for Faro, in a statement, reacting to the opposition of Rui Cristina, mayor of Albufeira, to the project, which was released in a video on social media.

The MP and vice-president of the PS Parliamentary Group recalled that the location of the desalination plant in Albufeira, in the Faro district, was determined following an extensive environmental assessment.

"More than a dozen locations were studied, an environmental assessment was carried out on these more than 10 possible locations, and two were chosen, where a new, more in-depth environmental assessment was carried out, until Albufeira was chosen," he recalled.

The Socialist leader added that the work should have already started, recalling that the tender was launched "during the Socialist Party government's time."

The construction of the infrastructure came in the wake of the "critical drought situation" that the Algarve faced in 2024, which forced extreme water conservation measures, he argued.

"We were months away from not having water in the tap," he stressed, noting that although the dams are currently at higher levels, investment in diversifying water sources remains necessary, including the connection to Alqueva, the intake at Pomarão, and the desalination plant.

"We have to move forward. The tender was launched by the PT government in February 2024. More than two years have passed; it's more than enough time to start the works," he argued.

The socialist announced that he will propose hearings in the Parliamentary Environment Committee with several entities regarding the Algarve Water Efficiency Plan, including the Albufeira City Council and the Minister of the Environment, Maria da Graça Carvalho.