A citizen participation day, organized by the La Gomera Council and the local City Council, took place in Valle Gran Rey. The meeting served to evaluate the public action developed to date and present the main work lines planned for the coming months, consolidating inter-administration cooperation as key to improving services and infrastructure.
During the gathering, investments made, aid granted, and ongoing strategic projects were detailed to residents. The president of the La Gomera Council, Casimiro Curbelo, highlighted that Valle Gran Rey has received over 1.5 million euros in public aid and incentives in the past year, aimed at various sectors including families, students, SMEs, self-employed individuals, the primary sector, crafts, taxis, sustainable mobility, and social, cultural, and sports entities.
“"Every euro invested in Valle Gran Rey must translate into opportunities, services, and an improved quality of life for its residents. The Council's public policies are measured not only by major works but also by their ability to reach families, the productive fabric, and those who need support to study, start a business, care for their health, or maintain economic activity."
Curbelo recalled incentives for the business sector, benefiting 187 companies, health and extraordinary aid for 117 families, and scholarships for study, transport, and rent for 94 students. Additionally, aid for the primary sector, taxis, crafts, photovoltaic installations, and electric vehicle purchases were mentioned. For 2026, the Council plans to announce aid and incentive calls exceeding 12.8 million euros for the entire island, aiming to balance opportunities and diversify the economy.
Regarding infrastructure, the Council's approval of the project for a new socio-health center in Valle Gran Rey, with an investment of 10.2 million euros from its own funds, was highlighted. The mayor, Borja Barroso, added details on accessibility improvements and public spaces in areas such as Borbalán, Chelé, La Puntilla, or Taguluche, as well as improvements to the drinking water supply network and the installation of telematic meters in Acardece and Arure. Municipal facilities and projects at the Port of Vueltas, including a photovoltaic installation for self-consumption costing 305 thousand euros, will also be financed.
The Maritime Avenue of Valle Gran Rey, affected by Storm Therese, was another key topic. The mayor emphasized the need for inter-administration coordination for a stable solution. "The Maritime Avenue is not just a promenade; it is an axis of mobility, coexistence, economic activity, and connection with the coast. Therefore, its recovery must be approached with rigor, but also with the speed demanded by the citizens," stated Barroso, advocating for prompt authorizations and budgetary commitment.
“"The Maritime Avenue is not just a promenade; it is an axis of mobility, coexistence, economic activity, and connection with the coast. Therefore, its recovery must be approached with rigor, but also with the speed demanded by the citizens."
The mayor stressed planning and institutional collaboration as cornerstones of his term, highlighting the drafting of the General Plan. He noted that since 2023, the Council has invested or plans to invest over 3.5 million euros in extraordinary measures for the municipality, in addition to ordinary actions. The availability of land by the City Council for the new health center was also mentioned.
Regarding holiday rentals, Curbelo advocated for regulations that consider the territorial reality of La Gomera, stating that "Holiday rentals, well-ordered and compatible with coexistence, are a source of wealth, diversification, and opportunities for many families." Mayor Barroso agreed on the need to preserve a tourism model adapted to Valle Gran Rey, emphasizing the importance of regulating with balance and understanding the island's unique characteristics.
