The lengthy and intricate journey for over a hundred residents of the Vento and Hermano Pedro social housing complexes in Arona to attain ownership of their properties has finally reached a resolution after four decades of bureaucratic challenges. The transfer of the land where these residences were constructed, which was sanctioned in the early 1980s, encountered numerous legal hurdles that have ultimately been cleared thanks to the efforts of the municipal government and the Canary Islands Housing Institute (ICAVI), enabling residents to officially register their homes and fully exercise their ownership rights.
Back in 1983, the Arona City Council consented to transfer a plot measuring 25,812 square metres to the Institute for the Promotion of Public Housing (IPPV), upon which up to 101 social housing units were established, including 51 in the Vento development and 50 in Hermano Pedro. However, this land came with a stipulation that proved to be unfavourable: it had been donated by a private individual under the condition that, if it was not utilised for its intended purpose within three years, ownership would revert to the donor. This clause, which was overlooked in the transfer agreement, played a crucial role in the subsequent impasse.
IMPASSE UNTIL 2017
The Government of the Canary Islands constructed the aforementioned Hermano Pedro and Vento developments, but the legal proceedings to transfer ownership of the land and properties to the tenants were hindered by the presence of this “resolutory” condition established by the land donor, which remained in effect within the Property Registry until 2017. Although a resolution was anticipated in 2023, the municipal government, then led by José Julián Mena (PSOE), unilaterally altered significant sections of the agreement, perpetuating the standstill, according to the current leaders.
Ultimately, following a government change in May 2023, the agreement between PP, CC, Más por Arona revived discussions between ICAVI and the new Housing Councillor, Juan Sebastián Roque. A resolution was reached, and the assembly approved the definitive transfer of the land last June, unblocking the process so that tenants, many of whom have resided there for over 40 years, can finalise the registration of their homes.
PRESENT AND FUTURE
Juan Sebastián Roque, the Housing Councillor, underscores the contribution of his team in resolving the issue. “My responsibility has been to ensure that ICAVI has the necessary support to eliminate the obstacles that have hindered the families of Vento and Hermano Pedro from becoming owners of their properties for decades.”
Roque emphasises the necessity of continuing collaboration with the Canary Islands Government, not only to conclude the ownership process but also to explore funding avenues for the comprehensive rehabilitation of the residences.
When questioned about the PSOE’s assertions regarding its efforts during its tenure and its claim that the current administration has “only” finalised the last stage of the process, the councillor expressed his disagreement and clarified that, “ultimately, what matters is not which politicians receive recognition, but that this property ownership issue, which has been ensnared for decades, ultimately affecting many families, is finally addressed,” he stated.
However, he firmly asserts that the preceding administration did not act “satisfactorily in the past, exacerbating the situation with delays and administrative missteps,” while acknowledging the current administration’s achievements in steering the matter towards the acceptance of ICAVI’s agreement from June.
THE OPPOSITION’S VIEWPOINT
From the socialist opposition, José Julián Mena sharply critiques the current administration, claiming it “benefits from the achievements” of the projects initiated during his leadership. The local government should not merely continue the work we undertook but must strive for further progress and implement measures on which we, too, are working.”
Mena recalled that during his leadership, the transfer of land was approved in March 2023, and he lamented that the coalition government of CC, PP and Más por Arona “has not advanced in the rehabilitation of the housing complexes.” “It is not sufficient to merely transfer ownership titles to residents; they must also be assured of housing in proper condition. Several issues need addressing, such as those related to sewage,” pointed out Mena, who also highlighted advancements in other housing complexes during his tenure, such as Virgen del Carmen.
In this particular case, as he recalled yesterday, an investment of nearly 3 million euros was sanctioned during the previous term.
