SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 30 September (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Cabildo of Tenerife in conjunction with the Canarian Federation of Municipalities (Fecam) has formalised a partnership agreement this Monday aimed at enhancing the water supply systems and addressing leaks across a dozen municipalities with populations under 20,000.
This agreement, which is backed by a subsidy of two million euros from the island authority and will be allocated according to the guidelines of the Canary Municipal Financing Fund, will enable the modernisation of water networks, augment their capacity, and implement technological advancements to enhance leak detection and identify any illegal connections.
Rosa Dávila, the president of the Cabildo, noted that this issue constitutes one of the “most pressing challenges” on the island. This is also the rationale behind the water emergency declaration issued a few months ago, highlighting that many supply systems are “outdated” and that smaller councils lack the resources—both technical and financial—to carry out improvements.
She emphasised that Fecam serves as “a partner” to the Cabildo in tackling this issue, commending the “commendable work” conducted by its technicians to foster a “coordinated and singular solution”. Additionally, she pointed out that one of the most critical cases is that of Icod de los Vinos, which will receive a “specific plan” as its water loss rates exceed 50%.
The president further remarked that the Cabildo has demonstrated “great courage” in confronting a problem that is often overlooked because it lurks underground, making it clear that the necessary work “does not happen overnight” and careful planning is essential since “infrastructures cannot be established instantly”, particularly as ongoing services to residents must be upheld.
Blanca Pérez, the Minister of the Natural Environment, praised the “close cooperation” with mayors during these “challenging” times due to the water emergency, underscoring the “efforts” exerted this summer in municipalities such as Fasnia and Vilaflor to ensure they could “manage” their water supply, remarking that “it was not a straightforward task” and that “it has been a manageable summer.”
She also indicated that it is “praiseworthy” how some municipalities have successfully diminished their water losses and their “shared responsibility” in adhering to the emergency proclamation, concurrently clarifying that the situation in Tenerife “is not worse” than that experienced by other islands.
Mari Brito, the president of Fecam, expressed gratitude to the Council for its “readiness” to offer both financial and technical assistance to the municipalities, showcasing an example of “administrative collaboration” given that water projects are “ambitious and significantly costly.”
