Ministry of Transport Demands Answers Over Metroguagua Project Mismanagement

In a significant development, the Ministry of Transport and Mobility Sostenible has stepped in to demand explanations and immediate action from the local government in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria regarding the mismanagement of the Metroguagua project. This move comes amid mounting criticism and financial repercussions for the stalled project.

Background and Current Status

The Metroguagua project, aimed at enhancing public transportation in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, has been plagued by delays and mismanagement. The project, which includes the construction of the Hoya de la Plata station, has seen only 5% of the work completed despite substantial funding. The Ministry of Transport and Mobility Sostenible, led by Oscar Puente, has provided subventions totaling €11 million between 2021 and 2023, primarily for the Hoya de la Plata station, which remains halted and embroiled in legal disputes.

Ministry's Demands

In a recent letter, the Secretary of State for Transport has urged Carolina Darias, the local government leader, to provide detailed information on the status of the project and the justification for the funds allocated. The ministry is also seeking the immediate payment of interest on delayed reimbursements for subventions granted in 2017 and 2018. Specifically, the interest on the delayed payments for the Hoya de la Plata station alone amounts to €2.3 million.

Political Reaction

Jimena Delgado, the spokesperson for the Partido Popular (PP) in the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria city council, has been vocal about the poor management of the project. Delgado highlighted that the local government's failure to complete the works has resulted not only in the need to return €10 million in subventions but also in significant additional costs due to interest on these delayed payments. She emphasized that these issues are compounded by the absence of any clear timeline for resuming the construction, which is crucial for the Metroguagua system to become operational.

Challenges and Controversies

The project has faced numerous challenges, including the discovery of unforeseen installations and services, a previously unknown waste deposit, and basaltic rock formations. These discoveries led to budget deviations, but no project modifications were accepted. The contractor has filed complaints against the city council, further complicating the situation.

Broader Implications

The mismanagement of the Metroguagua project has significant implications for both the local government's finances and the community's trust in public projects. As Delgado pointed out, the fiscal oversight by the Ministry of Transport underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. This situation is likely to continue drawing attention and scrutiny as the local and national authorities navigate the complexities of resolving the project's issues.

In summary, the Metroguagua project's woes have escalated to a national level, with the Ministry of Transport demanding immediate action and transparency from the local government in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The financial and administrative challenges facing this project serve as a stark reminder of the importance of effective project management and fiscal responsibility in public infrastructure initiatives.