The Council of Ministers has approved the urgent construction of a temporary shelter on the island of Alborán. The facilities will allow for the upgrading, improvement, and optimization of the infrastructure of the Spanish island so that the Navy detachment can respond to mass arrivals of immigrants, as happened last February when 198 people, many of them Maghrebis, were stranded for several days on the small island, located in the Mediterranean. The approved facilities, with a budget of 1.3 million euros, are designed to enhance the resources of the island and provide the naval detachment of Alborán with the capacity to respond logistically and operationally to emergencies arising from maritime traffic, particularly referring to the arrival of migrants on the island.
The massive arrival of migrants in February led to the first visit of a Defense Minister to Alborán. Margarita Robles visited the island on March 11th and thanked the members of the naval detachment for their difficult and important work, especially after the small island became a focal point for immigration routes. Robles stated that the island has now become a priority due to this reason and compared Alborán to a “ship in the middle of the sea with complex conditions.” She also mentioned that she took note of some of the needs that were conveyed to her by the military personnel after the sudden arrival of 198 migrants. Regarding the reception given to the migrants by the detachment, which normally consists of just ten soldiers, the minister praised the armed forces for being by their side for a week, reassuring them, lending a helping hand, and ensuring their safety and that of their colleagues.
The Navy detachment has been permanently stationed on the island since 1997 and is currently undergoing improvements in security systems, access, water supply, and electricity. The Defense Ministry also plans to expand the dock by adding a new ramp and a new loading and unloading crane. The island of Alborán, situated between the coast of Almeira and the Cape of Three Forks in Morocco, near Melilla, has faced challenges due to the increased influx of migrants, prompting the government to take action to enhance its capacity to respond effectively to such emergencies in the future.
The focus on addressing challenges closer to home is crucial in ensuring effective response to emergencies and security threats. With the increasing number of migrants seeking arrival on Alborán, the decision to improve the infrastructure and resources of the island underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of the Naval detachment and ensuring the safety and well-being of both the personnel on the island and any migrants who may arrive there. The construction of the temporary shelter reflects the government’s recognition of the importance of being prepared to respond to unexpected situations and provide adequate support to those in need.
In light of the recent events on Alborán and the challenges faced by the naval detachment in responding to the arrival of migrants, the approval of funding for the construction of the temporary shelter demonstrates the government’s proactive approach to addressing security and humanitarian concerns. The acknowledgment of the difficult conditions faced by the military personnel on the island and the efforts made to enhance their capabilities and resources signify a commitment to ensuring their ability to effectively perform their duties and respond to emergencies. The development of the facilities on Alborán serves as a strategic investment in improving the island’s infrastructure, strengthening its capacity to deal with maritime emergencies, and safeguarding the well-being of all those involved.
