the construction of a golf course in the Pyrénées-Orientales divides

At the foot of Villeneuve-de-la-Raho, in the Pyrénées-Orientales, work has already started. On 150 hectares there will soon be a golf course, but also a hotel and accommodation. A hotly contested project, due to the drought in the department. At 76 years old, Jean-François Carbonnell is a fervent opponent. He was expropriated from his 45 hectares in exchange for one million euros in compensation, because the project is recognized as being in the public utility by the prefecture. A few years ago, this local resident was in favor of such a project, but with global warming, he says he has changed his mind.

A demonstration on March 16

Defenders of the project assure that the golf course will only use wastewater, for the moment released into nature. But in a forum, academics are raising the alarm. They consider this construction anachronistic given the lack of water. In the town of 4,300 inhabitants, opinions are divided. Contacted, the promoter has, for the moment, not responded to requests from France Télévisions journalists. Opponents plan to demonstrate on March 16.