Güímar Wastewater Project Halted Following €1.5 Million Cost Overrun

Construction at the Los Tarajales wastewater pumping station in Güímar has been put on hold, exposing flaws in the region’s hydraulic infrastructure planning. The City Council suspended the project after costs ballooned by 1.5 million euros—a significant jump from the original 5.2 million euro contract awarded to Ferrovial Construcción last September.

The delay stems from geotechnical reports showing that the site’s foundation cannot support the weight of the facility. The local government, led by the Partido Popular, now insists that the Tenerife Island Water Council (CIATF)—which owns and funds the project—must cover these extra costs. They are also calling on the island authority to handle the necessary administrative work for pipeline adjustments and discharge permits, particularly for the section passing through Arafo.

This pumping station is vital for the regional treatment plant, which officially opened on February 24, 2025. To run efficiently, the plant needs a daily flow of 1,750 cubic meters, which relies on pumping wastewater from the coastal area of El Puertito. The project includes a 206.5-square-meter facility with advanced treatment and deodorization systems, connected to the plant at Lomo de los Caballos by a nearly 7-kilometer pipeline.

The situation has sparked political tension. Airam Puerta, the socialist spokesperson and former mayor, has criticized the budget increase. He pointed out the irony that the current administration, which previously opposed project changes, is now forced to justify a major cost overrun shortly after the contract was awarded at a 25% discount. As the debate continues, the focus has shifted to the transparency of these technical changes and the potential impact on the region’s sanitation system.