The year 2024 is coming to an end, leaving behind moments of joy, reflection, and a few tears. In Lanzarote and La Graciosa, we have faced 366 intense days in which we have learned and improved.
As Vice President of the Cabildo of Lanzarote and Councilor for Public Works, I want to take this opportunity to share a message of optimism, commitment, and confidence in the future of our island. This year has been a turning point for Lanzarote. We have worked diligently to overcome historical barriers and unlock projects that have been paralyzed for too long, but we are convinced that the best is yet to come.
It is important to highlight that the progress we have achieved has been possible thanks to the effort and dedication of a cohesive team, committed and oriented towards the progress of Lanzarote. I am deeply proud of each of my colleagues from the Popular Party, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that solutions reach the citizens. Furthermore, I want to express my gratitude for the good harmony we have maintained with our government partner. United by a single objective: the well-being and progress of Lanzarote and La Graciosa. This collaboration has been key to driving each of the projects that we can present today with enthusiasm and confidence.
Each councilor has played a fundamental role in achieving the objectives that we proudly share today. For example, our Councilor for Finance and Contracting, María Tovar, has made it possible to unblock the Cruz Blanca project in Altavista. This project had been in an administrative limbo for years, frustrating the residents and leaving a space of great importance to the community without a solution. Her work has been key to reactivating this project, taking a firm step forward.
Ángel has been a key player in bringing order to the Art, Culture and Tourism Centers (CACT). Through responsible and effective management, he has managed to clean up the accounts, providing economic stability to one of the largest cultural and tourist references on our island. The economic recovery of the CACT not only ensures its continuity but also reinforces its capacity to continue being an engine of cultural and economic development.
Kiko Aparicio, as councilor and president of the Security and Emergency Consortium of Lanzarote, has demonstrated an tireless commitment to the municipalities, addressing their needs in terms of security and emergencies. His work has been especially relevant in the management of the migratory crisis, a reality that affects our island and that has required immediate and forceful responses. Faced with the inaction of the central government, Kiko has been on the front line, leading the efforts to address this situation with sensitivity and responsibility.
For his part, Juan Monzón has made a difference in the area of Sports. His work in improving sports subsidies has been crucial to support our athletes, allowing them to achieve their goals and represent Lanzarote with pride. In addition, he has promoted the improvement of sports infrastructures, always with a coordinated vision and focused on providing our youth with adequate spaces for their personal and professional development.
In the area of Public Works, we have taken on one of the biggest challenges of recent years. We have mobilized more than 70 million euros through the Island Economic Reactivation Plan. This effort has not only injected dynamism into our economy but has also begun to transform the infrastructure of Lanzarote, laying the foundations for a more modern, accessible, and sustainable future.
However, our commitment does not stop here. The real challenge lies ahead, and the coming months will be decisive in consolidating this progress. We have major projects underway that will directly impact the quality of life of the residents of Lanzarote and La Graciosa. Among these projects are improvements to the water system, which are essential to guarantee an efficient and sustainable supply that meets the current and future needs of our population.
Housing is also a priority. We are working on new initiatives to ensure that every family has access to decent housing, because we understand that this is one of the most urgent concerns of our residents. In addition, we are advancing in the construction of a nursing home, a space designed to care for those who have given us so much throughout their lives.
In the cultural and social sphere, we will complete the long-awaited administrative procedure for the Congress Palace, which will be a benchmark for holding events and activities that promote the cultural and economic development of our island. We will also carry out the remodeling of the emblematic Plaza de San Ginés in Arrecife, restoring the city's welcoming character and its role as a meeting point for the community.
As for green spaces, we will develop an urban park in Tinajo, which will be a place designed for coexistence, enjoyment, and contact with nature. At the same time, we will complete the underpass of Playa Honda, a work of vital importance for the mobility of the island, and we will make improvements to the Los Hervideros road, guaranteeing a safer and more efficient infrastructure. Finally, we will recover La Cascada del Charco de San Ginés, restoring this space to its splendor and symbolism.
None of this would be possible without the effort and dedication of the entire government team, which has proven to be up to the challenges. Therefore, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of my colleagues and to our government partner. We have shown that unity and cooperation can make a difference when we have only the well-being of Lanzarote and La Graciosa in mind.
I do not want to end these lines without remembering the companies and the self-employed who daily refloat the economy of our islands. To all of them, a million thanks.
We face a 2025 full of challenges, but also of opportunities. I am convinced that, together, we will ensure that our island reaches new goals and that each of the projects we announce today becomes a palpable reality.
Lanzarote has a bright future ahead. Now more than ever, we must remain united, with strength and determination to continue rebuilding our islands, Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
