Carlos Tarife, a member of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council representing the People’s Party, has decided to implement a bold measure to address the issues encountered when disposing of waste by the city’s residents: he will observe from a chair to ensure proper disposal.
Following the uproar caused – the news made national headlines – by this decision, it is worth revisiting other striking initiatives of Tarife, who has expressed his desire to rival Vigo in terms of Christmas decorations.
Cable Car… and Zip Lines
Investing 15 million Euros to establish a cable car route from Los Lavaderos to Las Mesas park: why not? This would not only serve as an additional mode of transport within Santa Cruz de Tenerife but could also double up as a tourist attraction.
Furthermore, the installation of zip lines, with one extending to Las Teresitas beach, presents another entertainment option for the city. Tarife specified that this initiative was privately driven, in contrast to the public cable car project, and would stretch from the Las Teresitas viewpoint to the beach.
More Elaborate Christmas Decorations than Vigo
Among his 80 proposals for Santa Cruz de Tenerife outlined in his election manifesto, was the ambition to surpass Vigo, a European standout for its extravagant lighting displays, and Malaga in terms of festive decor.
To achieve this, 1.2 million Euros were allocated to illuminate “so that all neighbourhoods can benefit from decorations” which would be progressively set up until the first week of December. An aspect of this lighting, the city logo at the entrance to Santa Cruz near the municipal swimming pool, was intended to be a lasting memory of an initiative that may not have met its target but made national headlines due to the rivalry with Vigo.
As a side note, part of the lighting on Villalba Hervás Street had to be replaced as it never functioned correctly…
Monitoring from a Chair to Ensure Proper Waste Disposal by the Chicharreros
Sitting in a chair and overseeing that residents of Tenerife comply with waste disposal regulations by using designated containers. Carlos Tarife’s latest announcement has sparked widespread interest.
The councillor has also released schedules for his monitoring stints “in response to the noise and theatrics from the opposition.” Tarife identified 28 spots where individuals are disposing of waste “recklessly,” prompting his decision to personally monitor the situation in a bid to eliminate the practice, as part of his broader efforts.
Following an awareness campaign and the implementation of a 2,000 Euro fine, Carlos Tarife believes that “more actions are necessary to stamp out this completely uncivil behaviour.”
