Those impacted express their disappointment that the recovery efforts in La Palma are “very, very sluggish,” yearning for a comprehensive legislation that will guide the future.
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 25 December (EUROPA PRESS) –
Since the ‘Tajogaite’ volcano on La Palma became dormant – an eruption that officially concluded on Christmas Day 2021, a mere three years ago – the sentiment among many affected individuals has emerged that the archipelago, with its purely volcanic nature, requires a specific volcanic law.
In this context, as the dire repercussions of the volcano that erupted in the Cumbre Vieja region were being assimilated, which lasted for 85 days, resulted in the evacuation of 7,000 residents, covered over 1,200 hectares with lava, and destroyed nearly 1,700 structures, including upwards of 1,300 homes, a Popular Legislative Initiative was conceived and registered in the Parliament of the Canary Islands in September 2023, garnering the support of more than 19,000 signatures.
All seven parliamentary groups supported the initiative’s processing unanimously; however, the goals of the promoters were not fulfilled, as they had hoped for its approval during the final plenary session of December to mark the conclusion of the eruption.
Some parliamentary factions have requested an extension to accommodate new amendments and corrections to the legislation, which Juan González, one of the spokespersons for the promoting commission, perceives as “positive” since it demonstrates that the representatives “are indeed interested” in the matter, even if the text is ultimately ratified “later.”
The goal of the proposed law is to retroactively secure a set of rights for those affected by an eruption, facilitating a fair and appropriate recovery, as there currently exists a legal void. It aims to protect their status as impacted individuals and stipulate that the compensation owed to them reflects the actual value of their losses.
“Given that the Enmedio volcano is exerting considerable activity and there are also seismic movements in Tenerife, there is a fear of a lack of legislation, and they desire to broaden it. Well, I hope that all of this contributes to a much better outcome,” he informed Europa Press.
Sources from the parliamentary groups have confirmed to Europa Press that various factions have requested an extension for presenting amendments until 4 February, hence it is anticipated that the processing and ratification of the law will accelerate with the reopening of the session period, considering that January is a non-working month.
THOSE AFFECTED, “WORSE AGAIN”
As the third anniversary of the eruption’s conclusion approaches, Juan laments that they are “worse again” because property valuations remain unresolved, as “there are no disbursements.”
He has emphasised that the situation “remains relatively unchanged,” despite the change in the Government of the Canary Islands. Although they have advocated for appraisals based on the genuine value of what was lost, there are “numerous aspects to rectify” that were excluded from the disaster assessment.
“Everything is progressing at a very, very slow pace; recovery under these circumstances is exceedingly challenging,” he stated.
Amid the ongoing frustration of those affected by the eruption – without proper housing, with vacation rentals destroyed and many residing in temporary shelters – there is a pressing demand for reconstruction from the public sector.
The central government, for instance, boasts of having allocated more than 1,000 million euros on the island – nearly reaching the 100 million euros committed in this year’s budget – and just this Monday, during the Cabinet meeting, approved the extension of various forms of assistance, including ERTE, deferrals of Social Security contributions, tax exemptions for residents of La Bombilla and Puerto Naos, as well as a moratorium on loans for farmers who lost their properties.
