Canary Islands Government Approves Funding for Rainwater Management in Lanzarote
The Canary Islands Government has approved a budget increase of one million euros to improve the rainwater collection network in Argana Alta, Arrecife, and to draft a project aimed at enhancing 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. The Minister of Territorial Policy, Territorial Cohesion, and Water, Manuel Miranda, explained that these interventions will be executed by the Island Water Council, with the aim of mitigating the consequences of heavy rainfall in both areas.
Budget Modification for Project Execution
This budget modification will support a grant to the Island Water Council of Lanzarote, which will be responsible for processing and executing both projects. This initiative responds to the need to prevent damage often caused in these areas during heavy rains, such as those that occurred on 12 April, resulting in over 200 incidents.
Improvements in Argana Alta
The project in the neighbourhood of Argana Alta, Arrecife, involves intervention at eleven locations frequently affected by flooding. New drains will be installed connected to the network on Tanganillo Street, and at the intersections with Jorge Luis Borges and Alejo Carpentier Streets. On Trillo Street, similar measures will be applied at various points (Buero Vallejo Street, Las Vírgenes, and Los Invernaderos path), along with the removal of existing obstacles that currently impede rainwater drainage.
Improvements will also take place on Avenida de Los Geráneos and in the streets Iguazú, Tenderete, Hermanos Álvarez Quintero, Ranchos de Pascua, Saltona, and Taro. Additionally, in Taro, the capacity of the pedestrian underpass at LZ-3 will be enhanced. All works are expected to be completed within eight months from the commencement of construction.
Flood Mitigation Measures in Costa Teguise
The second measure agreed upon by the Canary Islands Government and the Island Council involves drafting a project to implement a water attenuation system at the head of the El Hurón ravine. This system will increase flood protection in Costa Teguise by reducing the flow of rainwater into the ravine and creating spaces for the storage of rainwater, which can be utilised for purposes such as agricultural irrigation or public garden maintenance.
Both areas have been classified in the current Flood Risk Management Plan of Lanzarote as areas with significant potential flood risk (ARPSI).
