By Andrew Ede
Copyright majorcadailybulletin
The Spanish Government Delegation in the Balearics had planned to establish the reception centre for migrants in the Port of Palma this week. But this will be delayed for the time being, as changes have had to be made to the facility due to issues with wastewater connections.
This centre is essentially for health care and for assistance that the Red Cross (Cruz Roja) takes care of. It isn’t known when the centre will now be created, but isn’t expected to be long. The delegation has to wait for the Balearic Ports Authority (APB) to re-sign a temporary permit for the space opposite the port’s number three station to be occupied.
The APB explains that the requested space has proven to be insufficient in order to include showers. Initially it was due to have been around 600 square metres; it will now be somewhat larger. The ports authority adds that “there will be no problem” with the necessary authorisation.
Tragsa, which is part of the Spanish Government’s SEPI holding company, will carry out the work. All the necessary materials have been ordered, and so work is expected to be “rapid” once the permit is granted.
Meanwhile, the Spanish Government has approved the declaration of a migration emergency in the Balearics in order to strengthen humanitarian assistance for migrants arriving in small boats.
