The president of the Cabildo de La Gomera, Casimiro Curbelo, emphasised yesterday the “urgent necessity” to implement effective measures to address the issues at the port of Los Cristianos, situated in the municipality of Arona, which is vital for maritime links with the green islands.
During the unveiling of a technical report compiled by the College of Engineers of Roads, Canals and Ports, Curbelo highlighted that “we cannot afford to continue relying on 20 years of studies without any tangible progress.”
The President of La Gomera and leader of the ASG called for “immediate planning” that encompasses emergency measures such as reorganising the existing port, the potential demolition of the terminal building, and the underground connection with the highway. “This needs to happen now, not next year,” he cautioned.
The report, which was presented yesterday afternoon in San Sebastián de La Gomera, evaluates two possibilities: the construction of the port of Fonsalía in the municipality of Guía de Isora, adapted to the requirements of regular maritime traffic, or the reorganisation and expansion of Los Cristianos port.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The Dean of the College, Luis Pintor, clarified that both alternatives have their pros and cons from a technical, environmental, and administrative standpoint and warned of the risks associated with the current state of congestion at Puerto Tenerife: “Any minor incident can disrupt communications with La Gomera, El Hierro, or La Palma.”
Casimiro Curbelo also urged for the engagement of all relevant administrations and sectors, reminding that “transport infrastructure in an archipelago is strategic and of collective interest.” He advocated for a “participative yet decisive” discussion that results in “a solution that should be implemented, even if it is not yet on the agenda.”
Protests
The President of La Gomera recalled other similar campaigns for crucial infrastructure, like the La Gomera airport, and warned that if this matter does not progress, he does not rule out citizen protests in the upcoming months. “The residents of La Gomera require a response and we will persist in our quest for a solution to this predicament,” he stated.
Los Cristianos port commenced operations with La Gomera in 1974. Last year, it recorded over 2.2 million passengers and more than 500,000 vehicles, establishing itself as one of the principal infrastructures of the State Ports Entity.
The evolution of traffic has consistently increased year after year. As reported by this newspaper last week, between 2010 and 2024, the total passenger count has risen by 53%, whilst the vehicle volume has surged by 104%. Space limitations, which cause traffic congestion during Easter, summer, and Christmas, extend beyond the port area. The connection with the TF-1 highway and Chayofita Avenue accommodates up to 92,000 vehicles daily, while service levels are significantly compromised.
Cabildo de Tenerife
The president of the Cabildo de Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, advocates for the “unavoidable” enhancement of Los Cristianos port, alongside other initiatives such as the underground works at Chayofita. The island president, who is clearly opposed to the development of a port in Fonsalía, supports land interventions “which are already planned” to address the challenges on the Chayofita road and alleviate traffic issues in the area, “an initiative that should be executed by the City Council.”
Similarly, the mayor of Arona, Fátima Lemes, has voiced her opposition to the expansion of the Los Cristianos dock, stating that without a concrete official plan, the City Council cannot endorse an intervention that, she warns, “would only exacerbate vehicular congestion and further affect daily life, businesses, and local tourism.” The Arona councillor insists that the southern port “has reached its capacity” and calls for a “serious debate” on alternative options.
Residents and traders in Los Cristianos have also recently expressed their “strong opposition” to the enlargement of the port area.
