Canary Islands 'Essential Service Buildings' (ESE) Project

Overview

On December 23, 2025, the Canary Islands government announced the creation of a temporary administrative unit dedicated to overseeing the construction of 'Essential Service Buildings' (ESE).

This ambitious project aims to:

• Centralize critical public services in Tenerife and Gran Canaria's capitals
• Ensure the continuity of services during crises
• Improve coordination among government departments

Background and Progress

• The initiative was launched in 2021 and involves multiple government departments.
• It aims to streamline service delivery by constructing state-of-the-art facilities.
• Despite delays caused by unforeseen construction issues, the project remains a priority.
• The scheduled completion has been targeted for 2027.

Organizational Changes and Challenges

• Recent organizational changes threaten the project's progress.
• In 2024, a budget restructuring led to the dissolution of the original project management units.
• The restructuring cited resource shortages and administrative overload.

New Temporary Administrative Unit

To prevent setbacks, the government established a dedicated, two-year temporary unit with the following details:

• Budget: Over 1.5 million euros annually
• Mandate: Ensure the project's completion
• Operation period: Until December 2027, with provisions for extension

"This move highlights the government’s commitment to modernizing essential infrastructure," a government official stated.

Significance

• The project reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing essential infrastructure.
• It is crucial for residents who depend on uninterrupted public services.
• Maintaining momentum on this complex public works project remains a priority.