The Cabildo has completed over 60% of emergency works, allowing for unprecedented water production and storage in Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is no longer facing a water emergency. This was announced today by the Cabildo of Fuerteventura and the Insular Water Council during a meeting with the media, presided over by the island president, Lola García, the Councillor for Water, Adargoma Hernández, the manager of CIAF, Domingo Montañez, and the manager of CAAF, Francisco Javier Hormiga. They confirmed that Fuerteventura has been free from water emergency status since 2nd September, following years of effort and investment. Other councillors from the insular corporation also attended.
Fuerteventura has experienced an unsustainable situation, marked by prolonged shortages, insufficient production, deteriorated networks, and limited storage. This situation necessitated a water emergency declaration first issued in 2020 and again in 2023. In response, the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, through the Department of Infrastructure, CAAF, and the Insular Water Council devised a strategy for works and investments that significantly improved the situation since 2023. These actions have enabled the current production and storage of more water than ever in Fuerteventura’s history, thanks to the coordinated efforts of Cabildo staff, CAAF, CIAF, and local councils.
As a result, following an analysis of CAAF’s technical reports, the Insular Water Council has proposed not to extend the water emergency in Fuerteventura.
Of the planned emergency works, “over 60% have been completed, with the remainder expected to be finalised by 2026,” explained President Lola García, who highlighted the historic investment of over 60 million euros that made this possible.
All this effort has also reduced water shortages across the island by more than 80%, “although we won’t be satisfied until the situation is permanently improved,” García noted.
The Councillor for Water, Adargoma Hernández, emphasised significant advancements such as the expansion of desalination plants in Puerto del Rosario, Corralejo, and Gran Tarajal, which have achieved a record production of nearly 50,000 cubic metres per day—an increase of 66% compared to 2023 levels.
Furthermore, new and modern storage tanks have been constructed in La Herradura, Tamaragua, and Guerime, resulting in a 40% increase in water storage capacity.
The distribution network has also improved, with the renewal of infrastructure in Corralejo, Puerto del Rosario, Gran Tarajal, and various localities across the island, leading to a significant reduction in leaks. Strategic pipelines connecting key storage facilities on the island have been completed. Additionally, the reliance on purchasing water from third parties has decreased by 90%, while CAAF’s energy expenditure has been reduced by 70%.
These actions contribute to a more efficient hydraulic system capable of responding to unforeseen circumstances. It is crucial that this effort continues: “The emergency is over, but our commitment remains. Hydraulic works continue to be our priority. We will follow the planned road map to implement necessary actions so that the situation does not recur in Fuerteventura,” explained Lola García.
The Cabildo of Fuerteventura also expresses its gratitude to the public for their effort and patience concerning the inconveniences caused by the ongoing works and those yet to be completed, as well as for the collaboration of local councils and the Government of the Canary Islands.
