A meeting is scheduled today between the Cabildo of Tenerife and representatives of the Ministry of Defense to discuss the proposal for acquiring the land of the three barracks located in the municipality of La Laguna. These barracks include Cristo, Ingenieros (in La Cuesta), and Ofra, with the intention of utilising the land for housing purposes. This announcement was made yesterday by Cabildo’s president, Rosa Dávila, during a press conference alongside the mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, following a meeting between both administrations to discuss various common projects related to housing, roads, water, infrastructure, mobility, and historical heritage, among others. Discussions during the meeting also focused on the promotion of the TF-5 variant and the Northeast desalination plant.
Luis Yeray Gutiérrez described the two-hour meeting as “highly productive” and emphasised the importance of maintaining fluid relations between institutions to ensure that agreements translate into benefits for citizens. He expressed gratitude towards the insular Corporation for their cooperation. Similarly, Rosa Dávila echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaborative harmony in their work together.
Regarding today’s meeting with Defense, which will be attended by the insular advisor of the Presidency and Territorial Planning, José Miguel Ruano, the president noted the initial contact between both parties and the positive disposition from all administrations. This collaborative effort aims to address the need for additional housing and staff facilities in the La Cuesta area, particularly where the Ingenieros barracks and Ofra are located. Dávila also stressed the importance of revitalising the Cristo area.
Dávila mentioned that discussions with Defense will also cover the potential relocation of facilities due to current occupancy at the Engineer barracks, ensuring plans are in place for their continued presence in Tenerife. The mayor highlighted the significance of acquiring these lands for creating new housing opportunities and improving the environment, underscoring the importance of reaching an agreement among all administrations.
In addition, progress was made on various fronts such as the replacement of the Las Chumberas urbanisation.
Water Emergency
Another crucial discussion revolved around water issues, particularly the planned declaration of a water emergency set to be approved by the full Council, with further steps to be taken at the Insular Water Council. Dávila clarified that there are no current plans for water supply restrictions to the population but rather a focus on prioritising emergency works to ensure uninterrupted supply, especially during summer.
The future desalination plant in Valle de Guerra was highlighted, with a budget exceeding 35 million Euros, aimed at providing irrigation water in the northeastern region. While efforts are underway to expedite the project timeline, a minimum of 28 months is required for its completion. As an interim solution, the Cabildo plans to install portable desalination plants to address the emergency and support the agricultural sector.
Mobility issues were also addressed, with a particular emphasis on the construction of a third descending lane between Guamasa and Los Rodeos airport, in addition to the joint commitment to promote the TF-5 variant project. This project will eventually facilitate the submergence of the highway as it passes through La Laguna’s urban complex, eliminating the current visual disruption. Works are underway to facilitate these improvements, ensuring smooth coordination between technical teams from Cabildo and the Government of the Canary Islands.
Plans for closing the connection from Guamasa to TF-5, towards Santa Cruz, and improving traffic flow on surrounding roads were also discussed, with a technical meeting scheduled to address these matters in collaboration with La Laguna, Tegueste, and Tacoronte. Moreover, an agreement was reached to enable the urbanisation of certain crossings currently under insular ownership, which will then be transferred to municipal ownership.
Infrastructure updates were provided, including progress on the pedestrian walkway at the Padre Anchieta roundabout scheduled for operation in early 2025. Additionally, plans for renovating the La Laguna Interchange building, along with its connection to the future pedestrian walkway, were discussed. Bus parking relocation will be necessary during these works, with a temporary agreement in place with the ULL for this relocation. Efforts are also underway to renew the urban transportation agreement, including the introduction of new buses. The meeting also touched upon other collaborative endeavours such as the Finca Escuder works and heritage conservation initiatives.
