Authored by Rodrigo Padilla. The communities residing in the Hermano Pedro gully and Los Balos are apprehensively anticipating the verdict on their impending eviction. Situated in the southern El Médano town, the recent evacuation carried out by the Local Police, Civil Guard, and Provincial Coastal Service saw the removal of 45 illegal settlements in the vicinity, along with an arrest. The enforcement action took place in La Mareta and Charco del Clérigo regions of the coastal town of Los Abrigos.
Within Hermano Pedro Gully, the settlements are categorised as two groups: one, nearly housing a hundred individuals near the South airport boundaries, and the other situated in the Los Balos gully, closer to El Médano’s centre, accommodating between 15 and 20 occupants.
The Dwellings
These settlements exist within the area’s caves which are shielded from the sun using palm leaves and blankets, with most featuring furniture like chairs, tables, tents, or other possessions. This defines the housing model prevalent in the region.
Moreover, one can witness more sophisticated structures crafted from palm leaves and stones providing sturdiness to the dwellings. In Hermano Pedro Gully alone, there are over a dozen such habitats along with scattered tents on the cliff side.
A resident in the Hermano Pedro gully shared with this newspaper that the inhabitants of the area “coexist harmoniously, displaying a strong sense of belonging and even forming neighbourhood groups.” He also narrated how “many new residents here are individuals who relocated following the previous eviction in Los Abrigos a few weeks back.” “After being ousted from my home last year, these people welcomed me with open arms. Fortunately, I came across a cave and gradually brought my belongings here. I faced several challenges in securing a home, and eventually, this became my last resort,” he expressed.
Eviction Schedule Uncertain
Both settlements have contrasting stories. Generally, they house individuals in vulnerable circumstances who have been compelled to live on the streets, as well as others from various nations lacking employment opportunities. Some have chosen to reside in close proximity to nature.
The Security Councillor, Carmen Dolores Rodríguez, informed DIARIO DE AVISOS that “a considerable number of residents are from Eastern and Northern Europe who migrate due to the cold. Not all, but many in these locales do not seek aid from the city council or charities; they settle there of their own volition,” she stated. As acknowledged, “in La Mareta and El Clérigo, the majority are foreigners, predominantly hailing from Eastern Europe.”
The councillor also confirmed that “an exact eviction date is yet to be finalised,” although she affirmed that “collaboration with the Insular Water Council is underway” for the operation.
Furthermore, she conceded that “the inspection and notification of settlements’ residents about the impending eviction must be conducted within the caves in both areas.” “For a prolonged period, hikers and visitors using this route have been inconvenienced by the equipment and camps set up,” she outlined.
