MABEL Cabrer, regional minister for Public Works, presented her departmental budget for the coming year to Parliament at the end of last week.
The figure has dropped by 24.82 percent in comparison to 2006 because many of the major infrastructure projects, such as new highways, which needed significant funding are now drawing to a close. Responding to criticism from the Opposition about lack of investment in public transport, Cabrer highlighted the fact that 2007 will be the year in which the Metro project is finalised and gets underway. During her address to the Assembly, Cabrer was quick to point out that in their budgets for the coming year, central government had made absolutely no provision whatsoever for investment in Balearic railways. She went on to confirm other building projects that were now in their final stages including the Son Ferriol bypass, the widening of a major highway in Ibiza, the Palmanova to Peguera dual carriageway and the Sa Mola tunnel. During the coming year, the Public Works directorate will be using 101 million euros. Cabrer also announced that 305'000 euros will be set aside to finance installations in Ciutadella on Minorca which will cope with sudden steep rises in tidal levels known locally as rissages.
Public Works ministry points to “the year of the Metro”