Xunta de Galicia disputes Vigo Mayor over water management responsibilities

The Xunta de Galicia has issued a formal response to the Mayor of Vigo, Abel Caballero, regarding a dispute over water resource management and jurisdictional responsibilities. In a letter sent to the Vigo City Council, the Regional Minister for the Environment, Ángeles Vázquez, rejected Caballero’s claims that the regional government is failing to manage water resources effectively.

Vázquez clarified that while the Xunta is responsible for the planning of water resources and the exploitation of specific infrastructures, the provision of potable water services remains a strictly municipal competence. She addressed claims regarding the supply of water to neighboring municipalities like Baiona and Nigrán, noting that Vigo is not assuming regional responsibilities. Instead, she pointed out that Baiona pays for both raw water and treatment at a rate of 0.375 euros per cubic meter.

The regional administration accused the Mayor of “theatricalizing” the situation and treating a public resource as if it were the exclusive property of the city. Vázquez urged the local government to seek co-governance formulas rather than engaging in political disputes.