The City of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is investigating whether the poor condition of a house occupied in the El Toscal neighbourhood poses a risk to the young individuals who took possession of it last week after forcing the door. Municipal Official Sources have confirmed that a technician from the urban discipline department visited the premises on Thursday to inspect the property in Second Ravina Passage to determine whether there is a risk of collapse or if the damage to its structure presents some kind of hazard to Okupas who allowed the municipal officer entrance.
On Tuesday, a group of youths, who had already occupied a property on El Greeto Street in El Toscal, took over another nearby house in the second passage. The owner of this property filed a report the next day and provided proof of ownership. Nonetheless, the authorities informed him that they could not proceed with eviction without a court order and that the judiciary would only act in case of serious issues.
The owner of the house in Second Ravina Passage, who inherited it and is currently in the process of rehabilitating it for her children, has stated that although she regularly visits it to air the place, it is in extremely poor condition, with roof damage and a staircase linking the first and second floors in disrepair. She has also mentioned that the property lacks a water supply, although electricity is available. It is designated as a protected property as it is part of the cultural heritage (BIC) of the historic area of El Toscal.
Police and residents in Second Ravina Passage, where one of the occupied houses in El Toscal is situated. / Ed
The owner has communicated to the Santa Cruz City Council and the National Police the potential risks that could endanger Okupas out of concern for possible consequences should an accident occur. The woman expressed that the situation has been “long anticipated”, after being informed by the police that they could not take action to evict the occupants even after lodging a complaint the day following the occupation. One of her main concerns is that “I might be held accountable for what could happen to those individuals if the roof collapses or if they suffer any misfortune due to the dreadful condition of the premises”.
The residents have mobilised, already holding a meeting where they placed a wooden barrier on Thursday to block the entrance to the house in Second Ravina Passage. They are considering establishing citizen patrols in light of the insecurity that these occupations have engendered in the neighbourhood, located in the city centre. They recall that this group that has taken over the houses on El Greeto and Second Ravina has been involved in multiple incidents in the area.
The owner of the house in Second Ravina Passage met on Thursday morning with the mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez. In the afternoon, a delegation of neighbours concerned about insecurity convened. Bermúdez assured them he would do everything in his power to address their concerns and expressed his worry about the incidents but reminded them that the authority to proceed with evictions lies with the judicial bodies and the National Police.
