Thank you very much, Mayor Dorta, for this interview opportunity. To begin, let’s discuss the new municipal budget of Guía de Isora for 2025. What are the primary objectives of this budget?

AD: Thank you for having me. Our principal aim is to bolster essential services such as waste management, stimulate economic development, and ensure environmental sustainability. We have boosted the funds allocated to education, security, social services, and urban development. All this is underpinned by the values of efficiency, transparency, and fairness. Our objective over these four years was to implement a new approach in the municipality, and I believe we are gradually demonstrating to the residents that there is a different manner of operating that contrasts with the previous 28 years.

What challenges did you encounter while formulating this budget?

Regulatory ambiguity has posed a significant challenge, particularly concerning fiscal regulations and the General State Budget Law. This predicament has compelled us to operate with foresight and adaptability to ensure that the budget meets the municipality’s requirements, even amid regulatory shifts during the year. Although this is demanding, we must work tirelessly to maintain our progress for the municipality, which I believe is starting to show promising signs of improvement for our citizens.

The budget indicates a 7.12% increase in revenue compared to last year. Which areas have seen the most substantial increases and why?

Chapter II, which pertains to current goods and services, has experienced a 20.34% increase. This reflects the necessity to uphold and enhance infrastructure, manage rising waste costs, and cater to the tourism sector, particularly on our beaches. We have also dedicated resources to the technological advancement of municipal organisations, aiming to modernise administration and make it more accessible to citizens and their needs.

Let’s discuss the investments earmarked for 2025. Which ones would you like to highlight?

Among the most significant is the enhancement of accessibility to the historical centre through the construction of the El Pilón car park and plaza, the upgrading of urban centres, and the reform and maintenance of schools and nurseries. In 2024, over 500,000 euros were invested in upgrading educational facilities, and we aim to continue ensuring that the centres have the best possible provisions. Furthermore, the reopening of the municipal swimming pool is a priority project. This facility, which is currently closed due to the deplorable conditions in which we discovered it, will necessitate considerable budgetary and implementation efforts, but it is a vital investment for the wellbeing and health of our residents.

Now let’s talk about the Municipal Asphalt Plan. We have observed that it is progressing with substantial investment. What specifics can you provide us?

We are advancing with the second phase of our 2023-2027 Asphalting and Reasphalting Plan, which involves an investment of one million three hundred thousand euros. This phase allocates nearly 400,000 euros towards paving the main areas of the coastal region. This funding will enable the repair and improvement of essential roads connecting significant tourist and residential locations. Enhancing coastal infrastructure is crucial to continue attracting tourists and providing improved services to both residents and visitors. Additionally, we have allocated around 500,000 euros for the renewal and paving of roads in median areas that facilitate access to agricultural and rural zones. These initiatives promote sustainable development and improve conditions for farmers and residents. Part of the funding is also directed towards paving rural roads, ensuring better connectivity for all inhabitants and enhancing access to farms and homes in more isolated areas.

In terms of municipal services, a bolstered cleaning and waste collection strategy has been approved. What does this measure entail?

We have enhanced the frequency of collection routes, particularly for paper, cardboard, and plastics, and we have recruited 16 new operators to serve coastal and midland regions. Furthermore, we will introduce two pressure washers for cleaning public squares, alleyways, and main roads, with the waste collection fleet also receiving an extra truck. This is further supported by campaigns to raise citizen awareness, as the involvement of residents is essential for maintaining a clean and sustainable municipality.

Let’s address environmental sustainability. What initiatives are noteworthy in this regard?

A key priority is adapting to Waste Law 7/2022, which necessitates more efficient management and enhanced waste segregation. We inherited an antiquated waste service and contract, which has required continuous efforts from the outset to provide swift responses to residents. Additionally, we must persist with developments at the Southwest treatment plant, vital for ceasing discharges into the sea and ensuring proper sewage treatment. This project, with an investment of 35 million euros, will process the wastewater for over 100,000 equivalent residents of Guía de Isora and Santiago del Teide. Our aim is for this treated water to be reused in agriculture, providing direct benefits to our locals. The plant