The Moroccan government has announced its intention to build a nuclear power station at Sidi Boulbra on the coast between Casablanca and Agadir, a move which has been condemned by the President of the ruling party on Lanzarote’s Cabildo. Sr. Peréz believes there are better and safer alternatives, considering that this part of the coast has had marked seismic activity, and that the station could affect tourism to Lanzarote.

He called on the Socialist government in Madrid to intensify negotiations with Morocco, demanding that they clarify matters and consider safer means of energy production.

The idea of a bridge linking Fuerteventura with its neighbour Lanzarote is not new – it was first seriously proposed 15 years ago by Eustaquio Santana Gil, of the Fuerteventura Cabildo. However, the dream – or nightmare, depending on your point of view – has once again arisen with a detailed project created by an eminent engineer.

75-year old Antonio de la Vega, a retired industrial engineer, has published an audacious project which not only plans to link the two islands with a nine-kilometre bridge, but also envisages a railway linking Morro Jable, in the far south of Fuerteventura, with Lanzarote’s most northerly town, Orzola.

The railway would measure 240 kilometres, and would mean both islands belatedly entering the age of the train. Such a link would reinforce links between the islands and give them a far greater economic force than previously The bridge would be considerably shorter than the 14 km Humber Bridge in the UK, but would still rank among the longest 25 spans in the world. .

De La Vega said, “The project has long been thought impossible, but I’m convinced that it’s viable. After looking carefully at the sea bed, the depths of the water and other factors, one can see that there are no serious engineering problems whatsoever. The advantages of the project would far outweigh the drawbacks.”

That’s a view that many don’t share. Santiago Medina, of ecological group El Guincho calls the proposal, “an outrage, although our American-style politics mean that politicians may support it.” Sergio Machin, Councillor of Public Works in Lanzarote Cabildo isn’t one of them: “It’s simply unthinkable and unconceivable,” he stated, “Such a monstrosity would have a horrific impact on the environment.”

The bridge would certainly be far from discreet. De La Vega’s plans are for a 9km bridge spanning the Bocaina Strait, supported by 75 concrete pillars. The bridge would stand 490 metres above the sea, be 57 metres wide, and would have two levels: a lower one for the railway and an upper level for motor vehicles. Such a construction could hardly fail to ruin the tranquil view of the sea, the Isla de Lobos and the distant volcanoes that can be enjoyed from Corralejo, and which is a vital selling point for many properties.

Other public figures have partially supported the plan. The Mayor of Yaiza in Lanzarote, in which Playa Blanca is situated, has commented that he would like to see a bridge, but that the islands do not have enough people to support a railway. Conversely, spokesmen for one of the ferry operators have unsurprisingly supported the idea of a railway, but not the bridge.

However, nearly everyone agrees that such a project is a long way off yet, and would have to overcome almost insurmountable obstacles in the form of environmental regulations as well as funding. However, the determination of the eastern islands to unite and, together, become as economically important as Gran Canaria and Tenerife may yet hold sway. Just don’t hold your breath too long…