A total of 210 at-risk individuals, including over 90 households consisting of children, pregnant women, the elderly, the sick, individuals with reduced mobility, Ukrainian refugees, and people of various nationalities, will be forced to vacate this morning, starting from 9:30 a.m., the group of 44 residences in a half-built structure they have been occupying for eight years in Costa del Silencio (Arona), in the building known as Chasna 8.
The eviction of the property, mandated by the Court of First Instance No. 3 of Arona, is due to “the structural issues of the construction, which pose a risk of collapse,” as explained by Ruth Martín, the Social Services councillor, to this publication last Friday of the Arónero City Council.
The spokesperson for the residents, faced with the impending eviction, mentioned yesterday to DIARIO DE AVISOS that “the mayor, Fátima Lemes, arrived this morning (yesterday for the reader) and assured to have a dialogue with the dean to attempt to extend the court-ordered eviction, as has been the case in other eviction scenarios.”
Consequently, as confirmed by Ruth Martín to this outlet last night, “the mayor submitted a letter this afternoon (yesterday) requesting some additional time to explore more housing alternatives, yet I am uncertain if the Court will entertain the request, as, from what has been communicated to me, safety is the primary concern.”
The discontent among the affected individuals arises because, as Martín has clarified, in “usual eviction instances, reports are initially requested from the City Council to assess the situations of the families and, considering their vulnerability, the eviction is typically halted for a few months. However, this has not been the case here, as an urban planning document exists detailing the structural problems of the building.”
For this reason, and in light of Arona’s resistance, the residents have approached the Constitutional Court: “This morning (yesterday), they confirmed that they have acknowledged our plea for processing and that a response will be provided promptly.” As of the time of publication, they were still awaiting an update on the matter. “There are individuals here who have no alternative accommodations and who require, for instance, oxygen support to sustain their lives. Where will they go now? It is troubling that this building, which was once abandoned and rehabilitated by us to make it livable, all without external assistance, now all the investments made with our funds are in vain,” noted the spokesperson.
EMPLOYMENT
Addressing a possible delay, he remarked that “we are hopeful that the Constitutional Court will postpone the eviction. We simply request to be treated akin to any occupant in this nation.” Despite underscoring that “we are not mere occupants, but hard-working individuals without means to afford rent due to soaring prices. There must be a shift. Everything is being handed over to foreign capital, and we, the vulnerable ones who end up destitute, are the ones affected. There is not even a consideration for constructing a single dwelling. It is a catastrophic model.”
Similarly, he noted that “how have some landed here because they are unable to secure a residence while residing with two dogs? They pose impediments even if you have children. It is disheartening not to be able to build a life in the south of Tenerife even if you are a diligent worker.”
He also pointed out that many have been restrained from registering in the municipality, a situation that the Social Services councillor clarified to this outlet: “Several residents, who have been residing in the property for prolonged periods, attempted mass registration once the eviction decree was received. Consequently, the census in that property had to be frozen from the Census Department of the City Council, as the eviction was imminent. However, this does not entail a denial of registration. They can register through social services.”
Yesterday evening, certain individuals commenced vacating the Costa del Silencio premises in anticipation of potential police action the following morning. “Those with family on the Island have already departed. They have resorted to relatives to prevent looming homelessness. Now, five individuals will cohabit a one-room flat. It is an unsustainable, nightmarish scenario,” accentuated the spokesperson for the residents.
Faced with the contention from the City Council that there are no housing alternatives due to the ongoing tourist season, they lamented, “is there truly nothing they can provide us? They mention that extending financial aid or setting up a shelter for those without a place to stay is not a viable solution. We fail to comprehend their lack of proactive measures.”
The councillor added that the City Council pondered the possibility of arranging temporary accommodation, “yet this proposal was declined as it does not qualify as an exceptional circumstance, akin to a natural calamity. This is not an isolated incident; weekly, we witness two to three evictions in Arona, with families being deprived of this alternative. We cannot establish a precedent. Consequently, we are expediting financial aid to enable individuals to seek individual solutions. We are in the process of securing potential accommodations for families with children. Nevertheless, in the event of eviction tomorrow, numerous individuals will be left destitute on the streets. “We cannot relocate 200 individuals.”
A few hours prior to being rendered homeless, the residents forewarned that, “if it inevitably occurs, we will peacefully vacate our homes, yet we wish for a door-to-door notification. We will comply with the evacuation, but we will persist in our struggle till the end, as we believe that proceedings have not been handled appropriately. “We do not desire similar fates for others.”
The former mayor of Arona, the socialist José Julián Mena, beseeched the municipal governing coalition (PP, CC, and Más por Arona) for “extraordinary and urgent actions aimed at alleviating the plight of our neighbours. Amongst these, the consideration of expropriating and acquiring incomplete buildings, such as the case of Costa del Silencio, to institute a social and affordable rental regime.”
