The Vallehermoso Town Hall has inspected the La Encantadora dam to initiate a two-phase safety improvement project, promoted by the Government of the Canary Islands.
Last Thursday, technicians from the Government of the Canary Islands, the Insular Water Council of La Gomera, and representatives from the Community of Irrigators met at the La Encantadora dam in Vallehermoso to assess the planned actions on-site. The objective: to reinforce safety of a key infrastructure for water supply and population protection.
Two phases to ensure the safety of the reservoir
The project, driven by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food Sovereignty, includes two distinct phases. The first, considered a priority, will focus on improving the safety conditions around the dam and adapting several of its facilities. This phase aims to ensure the proper functioning of the hydraulic infrastructure in the short term.
The second phase, which is technically more complex, will be carried out when the reservoir's storage level allows. Among the planned actions are the replacement of existing valves, the adaptation of drainage and emptying systems to comply with current regulations, and the installation of a protective shield on the dam wall.
Protection for downstream population centres
The improvement of safety not only affects the dam itself but also the areas located downstream. The natural evacuation route runs through the main ravine and impacts centres such as El Ingenio and Macayo, both in the municipality of Vallehermoso. With these works, the aim is to minimise the risk of flooding and ensure the protection of residents.
The Vallehermoso Town Hall has positively assessed the coordination between administrations.
“This is a priority action to ensure the safety of the dam and its surroundings,” municipal sources stated, expressing gratitude for the collaboration of the Government of the Canary Islands, the Insular Water Council, and the Community of Irrigators.
A strategic infrastructure for the municipality
The La Encantadora dam is a strategic infrastructure for Vallehermoso, not only for its function of water storage for irrigation but also for its role in flood prevention. The action will allow it to be adapted to current technical requirements, improving its reliability and extending its lifespan.
For the residents of Vallehermoso, these works represent a greater peace of mind in the face of possible episodes of heavy rainfall, which are common on the island of La Gomera. The project, which will be developed in the coming months, also includes improvements to access and signage in the area.
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