Major Boost for Tourism: New Marina Jandía at Morro Jable Set to Begin Construction
In a significant development for the tourism sector in Fuerteventura, Sebastián Franquis, the Counselor for Public Works, Transport, and Housing of the Canary Islands Government, announced on Monday that the long-awaited Marina Jandía project in Morro Jable will soon be moving forward. As reported in the Parliament of the Canary Islands, Franquis conveyed the excitement surrounding the revitalization of this project, which aims to enhance the region’s appeal to tourists.
A Project Long in the Making
The Marina Jandía initiative is not new; it was initially put out to tender back in 2013. However, it has faced numerous delays over the past nine years due to administrative hurdles arising from previous administrations. Franquis emphasized that these challenges have hampered a project seen as pivotal for the development and enhancement of tourism in the south of Fuerteventura, particularly within the municipality of Pájara.
Investment and Commitment
An investment of €8.5 million is earmarked for the construction of the new port facility. Franquis announced that the concessionaire responsible for the project is ready to commence works in the upcoming weeks, marking a critical step in overcoming the bureaucratic issues that have long plagued this venture. “This is a strategic project for the region, and we have always been clear about our commitment to see it through,” Franquis stated, underlining the government’s determination to expedite the project.
Enhancing Sustainability
As part of the necessary updates to the Marina Jandía project, the concessionaire—Puerto Calero—has made improvements aimed specifically at enhancing environmental sustainability. These updates focus on reducing carbon footprints and improving waste management strategies during both the construction and operational phases of the marina. “We are keen on ensuring that this new facility not only serves its primary purpose but does so while being mindful of its environmental impact,” the ministry explained.
Key Features of Marina Jandía
The planned marina will span a total area of 64,180 square meters and will feature 290 berths for vessels ranging from 6 to 35 meters. In addition to catering to the needs of boaters, 2,000 square meters will be allocated for commercial development, encompassing about twenty commercial units designed to boost the local economy. This innovative blend of recreational and commercial space aims to attract both tourists and residents alike.
Overcoming Past Challenges
The journey of the Marina Jandía project has been fraught with obstacles. Initially branded for imminent execution in 2014, it fell victim to bureaucratic complexities that included a requirement for environmental studies post-concession and the concessionaire’s entry into bankruptcy proceedings. The project fell into limbo until 2020, when the current government successfully re-engaged the concessionaire to resurrect this critical project.
The Road Ahead
With the requisite financial guarantees now in place—evidenced by the deposit of over €562,000 by Puerto Calero—the way is clear for construction to kick off. Franquis expressed his optimism that, after nearly a decade of uncertainty, the vision for Marina Jandía is about to become a tangible reality for Fuerteventura. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts among stakeholders to navigate through challenges, stating, “The combined commitment has been essential in navigating the complexities and finally bringing the Morro Jable marina project to fruition.”
This milestone represents not just an infrastructural development but a renewed commitment to enhancing Fuerteventura’s tourism, tourism that aligns with sustainability and local economic growth. With construction on the horizon, stakeholders and prospective visitors alike eagerly await the unveiling of what promises to be a transformative addition to Fuerteventura’s coastal landscape.
