Fuerteventura Island Council Lays Foundation Stone for Gran Tarajal Residential Care Facility

The Fuerteventura Island Council placed the first stone today (13 February) for the new Gran Tarajal Socio‑Health Residence, a facility that will add 90 new care places to the island’s health‑social network. The project has an initial budget of €15,387,888 and a construction timeline of twelve months.

Ceremony and Official Remarks

“This is the island corporation’s commitment to improve care for those who need it most,” said island president Lola García during the ceremony.

“The Gran Tarajal Residence is one of the historically most requested resources by users and families. It will increase the island’s care places by 90 and add 12 family‑respite spots.”

García added that the works are already a reality thanks to the council’s drive and close coordination with the Tuineje Town Hall, which unlocked the project. She also announced a broader goal:

“We are working to keep expanding care places across all municipalities, aiming for 442 total places by 2026 across the council‑run facilities.”

Fernando Clavijo, President of the Government of the Canary Islands, highlighted the strategic importance of the new centre:

“This new socio‑health installation will help us advance the Canary Islands’ priority of improving care for dependent residents.”

He noted a 47 % reduction in the average waiting time for benefits, dropping from 782 days to 411 days—a gain of 371 days (over a year) compared with July 2023.

Funding and Inter‑administrative Coordination

The project is co‑financed by:

• The Fuerteventura Council: €4,455,710.24 (own funds)
• European Union Recovery and Resilience Mechanism (through the Canary Islands Ministry and Government): €11,130,846

New Care Model

According to Social Action Counselor Víctor Alonso, the council is adopting a new proximity‑care model that blends residential centres, home‑help services, and personal‑autonomy programmes. Studies on the island’s dependency situation have shaped a person‑centred philosophy, emphasizing community‑based care, family involvement, and quality‑of‑life improvements.

The council’s social agenda now prioritises:

• Day‑care centres in every municipality
• Residential places in the north, centre, and south of Fuerteventura
• Collaboration with all town halls to provide land for these facilities

Current coordinated efforts include:

• A Senior Day‑Care Centre in Costa Calma with 30 additional care places
• A similar centre for the Antigua‑Betancuria area
• Awarding the Personal Autonomy Promotion Service through a social contract
• Planning a future Island‑wide Mental‑Health Residence

Local Government Support

Tuineje Mayor David Herrera praised the joint effort:

“In 2024 the Tuineje Town Hall transferred a 4,701 m² municipal plot in El Aceitún to the council, with the firm goal of turning the Gran Tarajal project from paper into reality. Today we lay the first stone.”

Gran Tarajal Residence – Project Details

The future residence will be built on a 4,701 m² plot in the Valle del Aceitún and will host two complementary centres:

• Socio‑Health Residence – 60 permanent care places, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• Day‑Care Centre for dependent seniors – 30 places

Services to be Offered

• Individualised care plans, combining family and group activities
• Full‑time accommodation, meals, and permanent assistance
• Medical‑health care services
• Personal autonomy promotion (advice, orientation, occupational therapy)
• Psychological support
• Family‑respite programme
• Leisure and free‑time activities

The new facility aims to meet a long‑standing demand for care places on the island, improve accessibility for families, and reinforce Fuerteventura’s commitment to a modern, community‑focused health‑social system.