The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, presided over the laying of the first stone for the breakwater extension, awarded for €6.25 million. The project had been delayed for months while fishermen complained about the lack of shade.
Tazacorte Port is finally starting to move. The breakwater extension project, awarded to Acciona for €6.25 million, got underway this Friday with the laying of the first stone, presided over by the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo. The project, which was nearly five months delayed since its awarding in February, is crucial for the safety and operability of the port.
A Wait That Frustrated Fishermen
Canary Ports awarded the contract to Acciona in February for €5.83 million excluding taxes (€6.25 million including IGIC). However, the actual start was delayed. In May, the socialist councillor of the Cabildo, Manuel González, reported in the island plenary that the breakwater had still not started, while the main dock remained sealed due to storm damage and fishermen lacked a shaded area at the quay. The complaint highlighted the urgency of a project that is finally getting underway today.
The mayor of Tazacorte, David Ruiz, described the project as "much anticipated" for the municipality and the region. The president of the Cabildo, Sergio Rodríguez, defined it as a "key" infrastructure for both Tazacorte and the entire island of La Palma.
What is Being Built and Its Purpose
The project extends the current breakwater in two sections totalling 130 meters: 102 meters continuing from the existing jetty and 28 meters perpendicular. Additionally, 34 meters of the current jetty will be partially demolished to facilitate docking and manoeuvres at the port entrance. The new structure will be built in an L-shape with concrete blocks, a riprap slope, and a mantle of ten-ton cubic blocks designed to absorb wave action. Access stairs from the sea and solar-powered light buoys will also be installed.
For the residents of Tazacorte, the project means more safety and more operational days per year for a port that supports fishing, nautical leisure, and part of the tourism activity on the west coast. The extension will enhance protection against waves, reducing port closures due to storms, which has directly affected fishermen and small recreational boats.
A Boost for the Local Economy
The project benefits not only maritime professionals. Nautical tourism and coastal excursions will also gain from a more operational port. The Tazacorte City Council hopes that the infrastructure will help boost the local economy by attracting more visitors and improving working conditions for fishermen. The €6.25 million investment is a breath of fresh air for an area that has been calling for improvements to its port facilities for years.
During the event, the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, highlighted that the project is "a demonstration of the Government's commitment to the infrastructures that connect the territory and generate employment." The expectation is that the works will last several months, although Canary Ports has not provided a specific timeline.
Meanwhile, the fishermen of Tazacorte can breathe a little easier. The machinery is already on site, and the shade for their boats — and for themselves — is beginning to take shape on the horizon.
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