PSOE Calls for Expansion of Irrigation Project
The PSOE of Fuerteventura, through its Food and Food Sovereignty Secretariat, has urged the Government of the Canary Islands to consider expanding the scope of the project titled ‘Modernisation and Improvement of Irrigation in the Central-Southern Area of Fuerteventura’. The aim is for the irrigation branches to supply all agricultural plots that can be serviced by gravity from the Tesejerague reservoir.
José Cabrera, Secretary of Food and Food Sovereignty for PSOE in Fuerteventura, emphasised that “it is time for the project approved by the Government of Ángel Víctor Torres to progress, turning Tuineje and Fuerteventura into a model to be emulated by other islands regarding water management for local food production.”
“The current Government of the Canary Islands has performed its duties by executing the project approved by President Torres,” he stated, “but now is the time for initiative and ambition, as there is no reason to leave anyone behind or deny them access to water.”
The ‘Modernisation and Improvement of Irrigation in the Central-Southern Area of Fuerteventura’ project, approved by Ángel Víctor Torres’s government, represents a significant leap for small farmers in Tuineje and Pájara, involving a major investment of €13.2 million for this phase, funded by the State Agricultural Infrastructure Company (Seiasa) and the Cabildo of Fuerteventura.
Key achievements include the Tesejerague reservoir and the conveyance of non-conventional water to it, thereby avoiding the use of drinking water for agricultural purposes. Once this large reservoir is constructed, the project plans to distribute agricultural water by gravity.
“This is why we need to demonstrate the true potential of this bold project and ensure all small farmers below the Tesejerague level have access to this water. They should be an example of local food production and smart water use on an island particularly affected by its scarcity,” concluded José Cabrera.
