Valverde (El Hierro), 22 (Europa Press)
The Government of the Canary Islands is set to undertake works for the adaptation of the pontoons at the port of La Restinga, located on the island of El Hierro, with an investment of 1,775,000 euros. This initiative aims to “optimise” the facilities, enhance access, and ensure a “safer and more efficient” service for users.
The project aims to augment the port’s capacity while also bolstering its functionality and adaptability to meet the existing demands of the maritime sector and the local population, as noted by the Government.
“These enhancements will provide La Restinga with more modern and secure facilities, which will stimulate the fishing activities at the port, thereby offering improved conditions for workers in the sector as well as for visitors to the island,” stated the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo.
Additionally, the councillor Pablo Rodríguez emphasised the 1,775,000 euros investment, excluding Igic, which exemplifies a “strong commitment” to “upgrading infrastructure, organising facilities, and providing more dignified and modern conditions” for individuals working in this port facility.
Rodríguez has praised the efforts made by the Ministry, via the Canarian port authority, to expedite the processes and commence these improvements as soon as possible.
“We have worked to fast-track this tender in response to a critical demand from the users of the port of La Restinga. The current pontoons, installed between 2005 and 2006, have experienced significant wear due to harsh environmental conditions and recent episodes of rough sea and wind. This renewal is both urgent and essential,” remarked the regional councillor.
JOBS
Throughout this process, Rodríguez notes that Canarian ports have undertaken various interventions, including the repair of the pontoon joints and the pile perforations.
Additionally, efforts have been made to reorganise fishing, diving, and government vessels in the first Bon, ensuring improved organisation and operation within the port.
The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Food Sovereignty for the Government of the Canary Islands, Narvay Quintero, has highlighted how this action will increase the current number of facilities at the dock “threefold,” which is “fundamental for the island’s economic sectors such as professional fishing and diving.”
The project has been awarded to Astilleros Amilibia UNTZIOLAK SL, whose objective is to optimise the use of port space and completely renew the existing infrastructure.
Specifically, the initiative includes the removal of all current pontoons and piles to accommodate the installation of four new pontoon lines, organised to optimise usage and differentiate the berthing of vessels.
Furthermore, the water surface will be organised by distributing facilities according to activity to enhance operability and safety within the port.
This intervention will also involve the comprehensive renovation of the floating modules, removing the existing deteriorated and outdated structures that pose a risk for users and vessels.
The project entails the authorisation of new accesses to the loading area from the contradique, and all service pontoons with water and electricity supply will be established.
The Canarian Government points out that one of the “most significant” improvements of this endeavour will be the increase in the number of facilities, expanding from the current 63 to a total of 160, which will enhance the operational capacity of the port and improve the allocation of port space.
Concurrently, the Regional Government has agreed to provide support through fee reductions for the primary and tourist sectors during the execution of the works.
