Government earmarks €14 million for expansion of Puerto del Rosario wastewater plant
The investment will double the capacity of the capital’s wastewater treatment plant (EDAR) to 6,000 m³ per day. The Ministry of Territorial Policy, the Island Council and the municipal council have signed an agreement to carry out the works, which are already in the tendering phase.
Project overview
The Ministry of Territorial Policy, Cohesion and Water of the Canary Islands government, the Fuerteventura Island Council and the Puerto del Rosario City Council announced on Monday the expansion of the capital’s wastewater treatment plant. The project, valued at €14 million, is already in the tendering stage.
Collaboration agreement
The announcement was made in a press release after a ceremony attended by the heads of the three administrations: Manuel Miranda, Lola García and David de Vera. They signed a cooperation agreement that will enable the works needed to double the plant’s capacity.
“The project is a strategic action to modernise the municipality’s hydraulic infrastructure and guarantee an efficient, safe and sustainable management of the whole water cycle in Fuerteventura,” said Manuel Miranda. He added that the current situation of the plant is unsustainable due to the growing present and future demand.
The upgrade will:
- Increase treatment capacity to 6,000 m³ per day.
- Mitigate the impact of intense rainfall episodes.
- Ensure compliance with current regulations on wastewater treatment, discharge and urban water reuse.
Statements from the authorities
Lola García – President of the Island Council
“Hydraulic works remain the top priority of this Council. From the Island Corporation we continue to promote major projects that will definitively improve the situation,” García emphasized. She also highlighted other initiatives, such as a desalination plant needed for the island’s south and ongoing optimisation of the water cycle, including measures to improve sanitation and treatment.
David de Vera – Mayor of Puerto del Rosario
“This day is crucial for the municipality because it will reverse the current shortcomings in wastewater treatment and sanitation, which have been a limiting factor for urban development in the island’s capital,” de Vera said.
Technical details
- Duration: 20 months once the contract is awarded.
- Scope: Comprehensive expansion of treatment lines, incorporation of new, more efficient and reliable treatment systems.
- Key improvements:
- Installation of advanced biological treatment processes to produce higher‑quality effluent, meeting standards required for water reuse.
- Implementation of a tertiary treatment system that will increase the availability of reclaimed water for compatible uses, such as irrigation of green areas, thereby reducing pressure on conventional water resources.
- Reduction of marine discharges and the volume of generated waste.
The expanded plant will therefore strengthen Fuerteventura’s water management, support sustainable urban growth, and contribute to the island’s environmental resilience.