The president of the Cabildo de La Palma, Sergio Rodríguez, and the delegate of the Government in the Canary Islands, Anselmo Pestana, held a working meeting to define the future of the island's water infrastructures. The meeting, which also included the participation of Carlos García, insular director of the General State Administration, and Juan Ramón Felipe, Water councillor, served to agree on a strategy to finance essential projects.
Rodríguez emphasized that current needs, exacerbated by the volcanic eruption, are not covered by the existing water agreement between the Canary Islands and the State. Therefore, he proposed large-scale initiatives, such as the completion of the island's water ring and a plan combining desalination with renewable energies. These measures, according to the president, are fundamental to respond to any natural emergency on the island.
The president of the Cabildo detailed that these projects would allow for the supply of water resources to areas such as Fuencaliente or La Caldereta, bring water to Cuatro Caminos, and even transport it towards Mazo via the LPI. He also highlighted the importance of resuming the project for the intake of the Barranco de las Angustias, a work that would facilitate the use of runoff water to fill the Vicario reservoir, thus optimizing the island's water resources.
“"We are talking about a project that would provide resources to Fuencaliente or La Caldereta, bring water to Cuatro Caminos, and even transport it to Mazo via the LPI."
For his part, Anselmo Pestana described the meeting as an exercise in “dialogue between institutions” crucial for the stability of La Palma. He agreed that the completion of the island's water ring is a priority to provide the system with the necessary flexibility, especially after witnessing how a volcanic phenomenon can drastically interrupt the supply.
“"It is a project of about 35 million euros, but it is clear that the Island needs it. The closure of the ring is fundamental to have a different map of water distribution in La Palma."
Pestana announced that the Government Delegation will seek resources in various areas of the State, specifically mentioning the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) as possible co-financing sources. Sergio Rodríguez thanked Pestana for his sensitivity and understanding, noting that his prior knowledge of the island's shortcomings facilitates the search for extraordinary solutions outside ordinary financing frameworks, for the benefit of the security and development of the people of La Palma.
