Canary Islands Government Approves Funding for Flood Mitigation Projects
The Canary Islands Government has approved a budget increase of one million euros this Friday morning to enhance the rainwater drainage system in Argana Alta, Arrecife, and to draft a project aimed at increasing capacity at the head of the El Hurón ravine, thus preventing flooding in the urban area of Costa Teguise, both situated on the island of Lanzarote. Manuel Miranda, the councillor for Territorial Policy, Territorial Cohesion, and Water, expressed that this action fulfils the promise made following the recent floods in these areas and confirmed that the interventions will be executed by the Island Water Council. Their goal is to mitigate the consequences of heavy rainfall in both regions.
According to a press release from the regional executive, this budget modification will fund a subsidy for the Island Water Council of Lanzarote, which will be responsible for processing and implementing both projects. The initiative aims to prevent damage that typically occurs in these areas during heavy rainfall, such as that experienced on 12 April, which resulted in over 200 incidents.
Interventions in Argana Alta
The project in Argana Alta will address eleven locations frequently affected by flooding. New drainage inlets will be connected to the network on Tanganillo Street, at its intersections with Jorge Luis Borges and Alejo Carpentier streets. Similar elements will be installed at various points along Trillo Street (specifically at Buero Vallejo Street, Las Vírgenes, and the Los Invernaderos path), with the removal of others that currently obstruct the flow of rainwater.
Further interventions will take place on the Los Geráneos Avenue, as well as Iguazú, Tenderete, Hermanos Álvarez Quintero, Ranchos de Pascua, Saltona, and Taro streets. Additionally, improvements will be made to the pedestrian underpass capacity at LZ-3 on Taro Street. All these works are expected to be completed within eight months from the commencement of construction.
Flood Management System in Costa Teguise
The second measure agreed between the Canary Islands Government and the Island Council involves drafting a project for implementing a water attenuation system at the head of the El Hurón ravine. This system will enhance flood protection for Costa Teguise by reducing the volume of rainwater flowing into the ravine and creating spaces for storing rainwater for beneficial uses, such as agricultural irrigation or public gardens.
Both areas have been designated as areas of significant potential flood risk (ARPSI) in the current Lanzarote Flood Risk Management Plan.
