World heritage bid for irrigation system

AN ancient Costa Blanca irrigation system is bidding for UNESCO world heritage status.

Orihuela council believes the ancient arabic watering network, which dates from the 13th and 14th century, deserves further protection.

In particular, the ancient Moquita and Pando water wheels in the Las Norias district, deserve support.

“We must value everything that makes up our traditional irrigation network because even after many hundreds of years, it still provides us with the most efficient use of water,” insisted mayor Pepe Vegara..

He added they were ‘unique’ and that most tourists were not aware of it.

“This is part of our culture, our history and our DNA,” he insisted.