Fuerteventura’s Chamber of Commerce Criticizes Port Authority for Lack of Transparency
The Chamber of Commerce of Fuerteventura has raised serious concerns regarding the Port Authority of Las Palmas, alleging that the recent Empresa Plan 2027 contains inflated investment figures that lack transparency. The chamber argues that several investments listed as new initiatives are actually carryovers from previous years, which casts doubt on the authenticity of the proposed allocations for the island.
Misrepresentations in Investment Projections
According to the Chamber of Commerce, a significant portion of the investment earmarked for Fuerteventura appears to be duplicated from past plans. They assert that these funds were included in prior years’ budgets without being executed, leading them to conclude that these numbers might be misleading. For example, €2 million allocated for upgrading facilities to support a future maritime link between Puerto del Rosario and Tarfaya has appeared in multiple plans without any tangible progress on the actual project.
This situation raises concerns about the reliability of the financial data presented in the Empresa Plan. The Chamber’s analysis indicates that projects such as the expansion of the commercial dock by an additional 250 meters — a vital infrastructure project for enhancing the port’s operational capacity — have also been persistently included in previous planning documents. Yet, it remains unfulfilled.
The Demand for Clarity
The major drawback of this repetitive cycle, as highlighted by the Chamber, is the difficulty in distinguishing between genuinely new funding initiatives and those that have been consistently reprogrammed due to a lack of execution. They stress that a clear demarcation is essential for stakeholders to gauge what new investments Fuerteventura will actually receive in 2027.
One of the few standout investments considered a ‘new creation’ in the 2027 plan is the electrification of the Port of Puerto del Rosario. This development is expected to modernize the port facilities, enhance energy efficiency, and align with decarbonization goals. However, the chamber insists that the effectiveness of this planning hinges on more than just intentions.
The Importance of Execution
President of the Chamber of Commerce, Juan Jesús Rodríguez Marichal, emphasized that while planning is crucial, the effectiveness of such plans must be measured by actual investment execution. He stated, “Fuerteventura needs completed works, not repetitive projects that linger in the Empresa Plans without ever reaching fruition.” This sentiment echoes the broader frustration within the local business community regarding the chronic delays in realizing these important investments.
The Chamber advocates for future Empresa Plans to include a specific segment that identifies newly allocated funds, previously scheduled projects awaiting execution, and the status of commitments already made. By adopting this structured approach, the local government can foster transparency and build trust among stakeholders.
Political Silence Amidst Rising Concerns
Following the Chamber’s denunciations, a noticeable silence has emerged from local political figures. Notably, Lola García, president of the Cabildo, and David de Vera, mayor of Puerto del Rosario, sit on the Board of the Port Authority and have yet to publicly address the issues concerning unexecuted projects included in the Empresa Plan 2027. This silence has not gone unnoticed, as many in the business community are calling for accountability and clearer communication regarding the future of infrastructural investments on the island.
Future Steps and Analysis
The Chamber of Commerce is currently preparing a comparative report on successive Empresa Plans from the Port Authority of Las Palmas. This study aims to analyze the progression of proposed investments for Puerto del Rosario and assess their effectiveness and timelines. The chamber envisions this thorough examination will not only illustrate past shortcomings but also pave the way for more transparent, accountable management of future investments.
The overarching aim remains: to delineate which investments are new, which have been ongoing and unfulfilled, and the timeline for when various projects will be realized. By establishing this clarity, Fuerteventura hopes to foster greater investor confidence and ensure that infrastructure developments align with the island’s emerging needs.
