The political group Somos Tacoronte has raised alarms about the “worrying lack of protective measures” surrounding the Teobaldo Power Street bridge. More than a year after its collapse, the area still lacks adequate fencing, allowing easy access and posing risks to neighbouring properties, according to a press release from the political organisation.

“The severity of this situation is heightened by the presence of two educational centres, IES Óscar Domínguez and Colegio Tacoronte, which are attended daily by dozens of students, families, teaching staff, and local residents,” the political party warns.

Community Safety at Risk

Carlos Medina, spokesperson for Somos Tacoronte, states that “the safety of the citizens cannot depend on a strip of tape, some barriers, or the goodwill of passers-by.” He further comments on the situation: “The mayor, Sandra Izquierdo (PSOE), and the urban planning councillor, Tarsis Morales, who lives in the area, have a duty to ensure that a space like this remains properly secured and inaccessible. Waiting for an accident to occur before taking action would be an unforgivable irresponsibility.”

The councillor, Sandra Ramos, emphasises, “We are not talking merely about a stalled construction project. We are discussing the safety of our residents. It is incomprehensible that, after the collapse of such a significant infrastructure, the council has not heightened protective measures in an area regularly frequented by children, families, and the educational community.”

According to Somos Tacoronte, this situation “once again highlights the mismanagement of the current municipal government” (PSOE-CC-PP). “While the mayor and her group focus on propaganda and promoting an image of good management, they neglect basic issues such as ensuring safety in a hazardous area,” they lament.

The group demands that Sandra Izquierdo and Tarsis Morales take immediate action to reinforce the fencing and protection of the site, preventing any unauthorised access and publicly explaining what control and inspection measures have been implemented since the collapse, as well as the planned timelines for executing this critical infrastructure, given that the contract with the firm responsible for the project has been terminated.

“To govern also means to prevent. The safety of our residents, especially our children and teenagers, cannot be relegated to a secondary concern. Negligence can never be the safety policy of a council,” concludes Carlos Medina.