On February 26, 2023, a significant milestone was reached in the town of Corralejo, Fuerteventura, as the Cabildo de Fuerteventura, the Government of the Canary Islands, and the La Oliva Town Council laid the first stone for a new public housing project. This initiative will see the construction of 77 affordable homes, addressing one of the pressing concerns for local families. The total investment for this project amounts to a considerable €11,112,868.74, as highlighted by the president of the island, Lola García.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Fernando Clavijo, the President of the Government of Canarias; Ángel Víctor Torres, the Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory; Isaí Blanco, the Mayor of La Oliva; Pablo Rodríguez, the regional Minister for Public Works, Housing, and Mobility; and Victor Alonso, the insular counselor for the area, among other officials.
Addressing the audience, Lola García emphasized the necessity of facilitating access to housing for the community. “Access to affordable housing is one of the primary concerns for residents,” she stated. With an ambitious investment of €53 million earmarked for ensuring dignified housing for Fuerteventura families, this initiative stems from a collaborative effort among the Cabildo, the Government of Canarias, the Ministry of Housing, and local councils.
As part of this groundbreaking investment, García announced plans to construct a total of 176 protected homes across various municipalities, with a combined investment exceeding €29 million. Today’s laying of the first stone for 77 new homes in Corralejo is a direct result of land contributions from the La Oliva Town Council, which has played an essential role in this project’s realization.
In addition to new constructions, García expressed the ongoing commitment to rehabilitating existing housing stock. Efforts will focus on improving over 800 homes throughout Fuerteventura. She underlined the importance of revitalizing unfinished or abandoned buildings, thereby preventing unnecessary land use while addressing housing shortages.
Fernando Clavijo, President of the Government of Canarias, reinforced the message, noting that every publicly funded home represents a direct response to families struggling to access housing in the free market. He pointed out that the current administration has made housing a strategic priority, mobilizing both European and regional resources to expand public housing offerings and ensure a long-term, structured policy on housing.
Ángel Víctor Torres, representing the state, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the urgent community demand for accessible housing. He praised the coordination between various governmental levels that made the first stone placement in Corralejo possible, emphasizing the collective aim to meet the housing challenges faced by the population.
Mayor Isaí Blanco remarked on the importance of this step for La Oliva, stating, “Today we take an important step forward in our commitment to public housing in Corralejo.” He emphasized that this project showcases the effectiveness of cooperation between government bodies, noting that the Town Hall has streamlined the necessary processes to ensure the timely realization of this initiative.
The housing project will include a total of 77 units along with 77 parking spaces, featuring a diverse range of accommodations with various bedroom configurations: 14 one-bedroom homes, 42 two-bedroom options, 18 three-bedroom dwellings, and three two-bedroom units designed for individuals with reduced mobility. Moreover, the building will adhere to energy efficiency principles aimed at minimizing CO₂ emissions.
Funding for this ambitious project comes from several sources: €3,171,041 is allocated from the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism funded by the European Next Generation funds, with an additional €5,618,871 provided by the Autonomous Community and €736,575 from the Cabildo de Fuerteventura.
Pablo Rodríguez, the regional Minister for Public Works, underscored that this project falls within a broader strategy to significantly boost the public housing stock in the Canary Islands. He noted that the government currently has over 2,000 homes at various stages of development throughout the archipelago, including over 1,000 planned, 1,000 under construction, and 157 already completed. This reflects a vital shift in public housing policy.
In Fuerteventura specifically, Rodríguez pointed out that 176 homes are in different phases, with 24 planned in Puerto del Rosario and 152 being constructed. This includes the 77 units in the La Oliva project along with another 75 units in Puerto del Rosario, spread between the Don Quijote and Bernegal promotions.
Primer piedra para la construcción de 77 viviendas en Corralejo
