The Canary Government Council has approved this morning a budget extension of one million euros to support improvements to the rainwater collection network in Argana Alta, Arrecife, and to draft a project aimed at increasing the capacity at the head of the El Hurón ravine to prevent flooding in the urban area of Costa Teguise, both located on the island of Lanzarote. Manuel Miranda, the Minister for Territorial Policy, Territorial Cohesion and Water, explained that these interventions will be carried out by the Insular Water Council and aimed at mitigating the consequences of heavy rainfall in both areas.
This budget modification will provide funding for a grant to the Insular Water Council of Lanzarote, which will be responsible for processing and executing both projects. It addresses the objective of preventing damage commonly caused in these areas during intense rainstorms, such as those that occurred on 12 April, resulting in over 200 incidents.
Improvements in Argana Alta
The project being implemented in the neighbourhood of Argana Alta, in Arrecife, includes interventions at eleven points frequently affected by flooding. Drains will be installed connected to the network on Tanganillo Street and at the intersections with Jorge Luis Borges Street and Alejo Carpentier Street. On Trillo Street, these elements will be placed at various locations (including Buero Vallejo Street, Las Vírgenes, and the path to Los Invernaderos), while others currently obstructing rainwater drainage will be removed.
Further Works in Costa Teguise
Interventions will also occur on Los Geráneos Avenue and the streets Iguazú, Tenderete, Hermanos Álvarez Quintero, Ranchos de Pascua, Saltona, and Taro. Additionally, the capacity of the pedestrian underpass at LZ-3 will be enhanced on Taro Street. All work is expected to be completed within eight months from the commencement of the projects.
Flood Mitigation Efforts
The second measure agreed upon by the Canary Government with the Insular Council is the drafting of a project to implement a water attenuation system at the head of the Barranco del Hurón. This system aims to enhance flood defence for Costa Teguise by reducing the flow of rainwater ending up in the ravine and creating spaces for the storage of rainwater for purposes such as agricultural irrigation or the watering of public gardens.
Both areas have been classified in the current Flood Risk Management Plan for Lanzarote as areas of significant potential flood risk (ARPSI).
