Housing remains a key priority for the various administrations in the Canary Islands, grounded in two main aspects: firstly, the necessity to construct public housing, and secondly, to streamline the process of developing protected housing, both public and private.
This was highlighted yesterday by the Minister of Public Works, Housing and Mobility, Pablo Rodríguez, who visited Los Realejos and La Orotava to oversee the renovation of 30 homes in the former and the construction of 65 properties in the latter.
Rodríguez underscored that over a thousand homes are presently under construction across the islands, marking a significant “milestone” in the last 20 years as efforts are made to address the housing crisis that demands access to adequate living conditions, thereby enhancing the quality of life for those residing in public housing.
The Minister first assessed the developments in Los Realejos, accompanied by the Vice President of the Government of the Canary Islands, Manuel Domínguez; the President of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Rosa Dávila; the Island Minister of Housing, Sonia Hernández; the Director of the Canary Islands Housing Institute, Antonio Ortega; the Mayor, Adolfo González; and technical project directors engaged in the replacement of the 30 homes within the Urban Regeneration and Renewal Area (ARRU) of Los Príncipes.
This initiative has a budget of 4,821,607 euros and is jointly funded by the Ministry of Housing, the Canary Islands Housing Institute (ICAVI), the Cabildo, and the local council. The work involves the progressive demolition of the old homes and the construction of new ones to ensure families remain in their familiar residential environment.
“These families have been living in temporary accommodation for four decades. Our dedication has been to provide them with a dignified solution through cooperative efforts among the three administrations,” stated Adolfo González.
Manuel Domínguez and Rosa Dávila echoed similar sentiments, stressing “the close inter-administrative collaboration” that made this project possible.
The development spans two blocks covering 1,067 square metres, situated on a plot partially owned by ICAVI, with the rest donated by the local council. It features two-storey, semi-detached family homes, comprising three bedrooms, some specifically adapted for those with reduced mobility, along with a garage and elements designed for efficiency and energy conservation.
Subsequently, Pablo Rodríguez and Rosa Dávila proceeded to the adjacent municipality of La Orotava to assess the progress of the 65 public development properties in the San Antonio district, located on land allocated to ICAVI by the local council. They were joined by the Mayor, Francisco Linares, and the Councillor for Social Welfare, Belén González.
The project exceeds 7.4 million euros and is being executed under the framework of the Canary Islands Housing Plan 2020-2025. It consists of two four-storey buildings that will accommodate a total of 32 and 33 properties, respectively, designed to include up to four bedrooms, storage rooms, and a garage. Furthermore, the project includes two homes modified for individuals with reduced mobility and a supervised apartment.
Francisco Linares expressed gratitude for the cooperation among the various administrations that paved the way for this “signature” project, describing it as “extraordinary news in these times,” particularly given that La Orotava has not seen block construction for over 15 years. He also announced a new agreement with Visocan to offer another 78 affordable rental homes to residents in the La Florida neighbourhood.
Applicants need to satisfy a series of economic and social criteria and must have been registered in the municipality for the past seven years, as González clarified. Upon the Government of the Canary Islands confirming compliance with all requirements, they will be duly registered. “They must complete an application and also ensure their registration,” the Mayor emphasised.
