Six months on, the Chasna 8 building, linked to number 10 and already recorded in newspaper archives as the site of the largest collective eviction in Tenerife, has once more been taken over by squatters in some of its apartments, constructed in the early 1970s, never entirely completed and left abandoned for nearly 50 years. This edifice, situated in Costa del Silencio, in Arona, bordering San Miguel de Abona (within the coastal vicinity of Montaña Amarilla), was vacated following a decision from the Arona City Council, supported by a court ruling, on 12 March, impacting 210 individuals from 90 families, including minors, women (some of whom were pregnant), the elderly, those with disabilities, and even Ukrainians seeking refuge in Spain due to the Russian invasion.
On that Tuesday, the 12th, as well as during the days leading up to and following, numerous newspapers, television channels, and radio stations covered the news amidst a substantial police presence that, in the end, contrasted with the lack of serious incidents, although there were slogans and verbal protests. Despite appeals for a suspension and immediate humanitarian measures, the eviction proceeded, with some affected individuals being relocated to accommodations provided by the regional government and the Cabildo, particularly those with minors or in more pressing need, while others were promised €3,000 for rent that, according to an anonymous individual affected, they never received, as reported to Canarias Ahora.
CONTINUING STRUGGLE FOR THE CAMP
Some of the 210 individuals chose to protest, forming an association, with an average of 30 camping outside building 8, appealing against the judge’s ruling that endorsed the eviction, arguing that it was based on inadequate municipal reports, poorly substantiated, or that confused building 8 with 10, and they maintained their legal fight, believing there was misconduct involved. Although the number of campers has dwindled, a few have lingered in cabins and cars despite clashes with the security personnel employed by the Tavío family, the building’s owners. Furthermore, they contested the land of their camp, which the owners intended to entirely fence off, but upon investigation, it was revealed to belong to the Ministry of Roads, and thus, the cabins and vehicles remain in situ amidst a fence that, in recent weeks, has been losing sections due to neighbours and others removing them.
A crucial factor in this situation has been the absence of any security firm members, leading to the resurgence of squatters in building 8, which is in a better state, as building 10 displays evident structural issues and greater dangers for anyone who enters it. This resurgence is particularly evident in some flats that now show clear signs of habitation, with items on the balconies to block light and retain warmth at night, along with other indications of regular residency.
Diverse and Varied Motivations
Although some individuals continue to inhabit the huts, the majority are now once again in building 8. According to some campers and witnesses, there are squatters who previously resided there before the mass eviction, others who have moved in out of sheer necessity given the lack of alternatives amid an evident housing crisis, some who squat out of existential belief, and others with various conditions, motivations, and circumstances.
However, the length of their stay remains uncertain, as the court order for eviction due to aluminosis is still in effect, and it suffices for the owners to take action or for the court or council to do so ex officio. Nevertheless, the housing issue, which is particularly dire in numerous areas of southern Tenerife owing to its status as a tourist region, continues to escalate daily, with purchase or rental prices that are simply unrealistic for a significant portion of the population, even for individuals with permanent contracts spanning several years.
