The Federation of Associations and Municipalities with Hydroelectric Plants and Reservoirs (FEMEMBALSES) held its annual meeting this week in Guadalajara, focused on seeking fair economic compensation for territories that produce energy and water resources. During the day, members of the Executive Committee visited the municipality of Tamajón, a tangible example of the effectiveness of the federation’s demands.
Since its creation in 1996, Tamajón has been an active partner of FEMEMBALSES, which currently represents over 530 members, including municipalities, associations, and provincial councils. Over nearly 30 years, the federation has worked to ensure that the income generated by hydroelectric infrastructures benefits the affected localities. According to the mayor of Tamajón, Eugenio Esteban de la Morena, this effort has strengthened the municipality’s basic public services thanks to the funds obtained through the federation.
During the visit, the mayor highlighted the relevance of infrastructures such as the El Vado Reservoir, which supplies water to Madrid, and the Beleña Reservoir, crucial for the Henares Corridor. “60% of the municipal budget comes from the income of the BICES of Tamajón. Without FEMEMBALSES, our budget would be 120,000 euros, instead of the 1.8 million approved for 2025,” Esteban stated, emphasizing the importance of these resources for regional development.
Luís Fernando García Nicolás, president of FEMEMBALSES, praised the mayor and his team’s work, highlighting their commitment to improving the quality of life in the locality. “Tamajón is a clear example of how resources can be leveraged, but it also highlights the need to continue fighting for the rights of rural communities,” he added.
The federation’s general secretary, Maite Bardají, emphasized the concerns expressed by mayors and the importance of addressing the specific needs of each municipality. “The unity of voices of municipalities is essential to achieve significant progress,” she said.
The day included a tour of different points of interest in Tamajón, starting at the Town Hall, where the mayor recounted the history of the building and the municipality, which covers an area of 11,600 hectares. Subsequently, participants visited the Virgen de los Enebrales Senior Residence, a vital service that, according to Esteban, has been able to be maintained thanks to the support of FEMEMBALSES, unlike other residences in nearby towns.
Finally, the group visited the Cultural Center and the Paleontological and Archaeological Interpretation Center of Tamajón, which has recorded nearly 10,000 visits since its opening in 2021. The day concluded with a renewed sense of hope and a strengthening of cooperation among partner municipalities, reaffirming the importance of continuing to fight for the rights of territories that provide water resources in Spain.
Source: MiMub in Spanish