The president of the Tenerife Island Council, Rosa Dávila (CC), made an announcement yesterday stating that, by the end of the year, they will launch an international competition seeking innovative ideas for the Northern Train, envisioning a groundbreaking, modern railway project. The focus will be on solutions that are not only efficient but also sustainable and environmentally friendly. During her opening speech at the plenary session of the Island Council regarding the island’s overall status, she mentioned considering options such as elevated trains running above motorways, suspended monorails, and other advanced technologies already operative in countries like Japan and China.
Emphasising proposals that prioritise “minimal land consumption” and can blend “harmoniously into the Tenerife landscape, reducing environmental impact while enhancing fluid and efficient mobility,” she added.
Regarding the Southern train project, Dávila pointed out that it is more developed and mainly requires updates as well as its integration into the general interest railway network to access state and European funding for its initial phase, connecting San Isidro to Costa Adeje.
During her address, the island president unveiled other plans, including the establishment of the first satellite control centre in the Canary Islands in Tenerife, attracting an investment of 300 million euros. This centre will be responsible for producing, deploying, and operating a fleet of 66 telecommunication satellites designed in the style of Tenerife. Additionally, she announced the forthcoming introduction of preventive medicine, palliative care, and geriatric units at HUC before the year ends.
Dávila described the past year as a “success” and highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by the government (CC-PP) in areas such as transport, housing, social welfare, drought combat with the declaration of a water emergency, sustainability, and tourism with the introduction of a fee for accessing protected natural parks. In terms of sports, she supported the comprehensive renovation of Heliodoro Stadium and the development of Tenerife Arena. Regarding culture, she mentioned the call for the return of the Erques mummy, amongst other endeavours.
“Tenerife is making strides towards progress, emerging as an active and vibrant island,” she stressed, noting achievements like the unemployment rate standing at 14%, “the lowest in 18 years,” compared to 20% a year ago, and a significant drop in youth unemployment from 37% to 21% in a year.
On a different note, she confirmed the continuation of the Nursery Check programme to support families, with an expanded budget for the upcoming year, aiming to assist over 6,000 families during this tenure.
GOVERNMENT UNITY
In a contrasting view, the island’s vice president and Minister of Tourism, Lope Afonso (PP), highlighted the unity within the island Government, promoting a pragmatic approach to policies. Regarding tourism, he stressed the importance of quality, sustainability, and responsibility, hinting at an upcoming partnership with the Portuguese airline TAP and advocating for economic diversification. He also commended the strides made in the housing sector and announced the imminent presentation of the First Comprehensive Plan for the Elderly in July.
Meanwhile, CC spokesperson José Miguel Ruano reiterated that “Tenerife is on the path to progress” and highlighted the significant demographic growth challenge, with an 18% increase in the island’s population over the last 20 years.
From an opposition standpoint, Vox advisor Naím Yánez criticised the lack of substantial progress in fulfilling the commitments made at the inception of this administration, stating that there is a lack of real revitalisation despite the perceived progress.
Furthermore, the president of the socialist group, Pedro Martín, expressed dissatisfaction, pointing out that much of the proclaimed achievements are inherited from the previous government, like the Father Anchieta pedestrian walkway. He lamented the poor waiting list statistics for dependency in Tenerife. He urged the current government to shift from mere rhetoric to taking concrete actions.
32 Resolutions
During the discussion, each party represented in the plenary presented ten resolution proposals for the Island, totalling 40, of which 32 were eventually approved (all proposed by the island Government, nine by Vox, and three by the PSOE).
Some of the endorsed proposals included urging the Spanish Government to establish a high-capacity air base permanently in the Canary Islands to combat wildfires effectively. They also pushed for the approval of the Master Plan for the Use and Management of the Teide National Park by the Canarian Government, along with expediting the approval of a tax ordinance regulating a specific rate for services in the island’s protected natural areas.
Additionally, there were calls for the Spanish Government to expedite the competitive tendering for the renewal of the island’s electrical systems and to include the Canary Islands railway network in the list of general interest networks to promote both North and South train projects.
There was also an urgent appeal to the State to collaborate with autonomous communities in amending the Immigration Law swiftly to establish a system for the distribution and reception of unaccompanied migrant minors arriving in the Canary Islands.
Cristo Barracks
Furthermore, during the plenary session, the inauguration of Ana Cristina Morales as the new councillor for the PSOE took place. A budget modification of 12.6 million was approved, including a 6.1 million allocation to supplement the previous two million approved for the acquisition of the Cristo barracks (in La Laguna), reflecting the Cabildo’s recent announcement. It was revealed that a social healthcare centre will be constructed on the premises, with transfers planned to enhance Cañaveral Street, underlining the commitment to improving the area.
