The Santa Cruz City Council is actively promoting and supporting the construction industry, which is evident in the close to twenty projects currently in progress. This year, nearly 100 million euros will be invested, attracting new companies to contribute to the sector. Over a dozen companies, each employing around 30 workers, are currently involved in these projects in the capital, providing over 300 job opportunities.
In January alone, the construction sector in the capital saw the recruitment of 355 workers. These job opportunities, largely driven by public investments as acknowledged by Fepeco’s President Óscar Izquierdo, have resulted in over 5,000 registrations in Social Security for the same month. Izquierdo points out, “This demonstrates the resilience and growth of the construction sector in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.”
Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez emphasizes, “The Santa Cruz City Council has allocated nearly 100 million euros for investments this year. This not only enhances the quality of life and services for residents but also bolsters employment opportunities in a key sector like construction, crucial for the city’s economy.”
Óscar Izquierdo remarks, “Santa Cruz consistently sets the benchmark for the construction industry, evident in the direct employment opportunities created through public investments. Additionally, the city’s support for small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as independent workers, is commendable. The policies implemented by the Santa Cruz City Council serve as a prime example of backing and promoting the construction sector.”
Fepeco also highlights that “Santa Cruz is an appealing municipality for local companies due to its outstanding work in areas such as housing refurbishment. The city excels in energy efficiency, universal accessibility, and digitalization, aiming for smart and sustainable construction projects.”
Various projects including asphalt work, home renovations, sports field enhancements, school roofing, street renovations, and neighbourhood upgrades contribute significantly to maintaining employment in the construction sector of the capital.
Izquierdo commends the “credible public-private collaboration approach adopted by Santa Cruz, which contrasts with the illusion prevalent in other administrations.” He further adds, “While this collaborative effort generates ample job opportunities, our challenge lies in sourcing adequately skilled manpower to meet demands. The partnership with the Canarian Construction Foundation for citizen training, facilitated by the Santa Cruz City Council, is imperative in addressing this issue.”
Councilor for Infrastructure Javier Rivero underscores, “Santa Cruz boasts one of the highest investments per capita among all Spanish provincial capitals and leads in the Canary Islands. Presently, there are investments in almost twenty ongoing projects, with more in the bidding process.”
The Infrastructure Mayor highlights forthcoming projects in this term, including the 100% Sustainable Road, renovation of Las Teresitas breakwater, and installation of solar panels in municipal facilities.
Utilising the Next Generation funds overseen by the Strategic Projects division led by Carlos Tarife, projects like the Las Teresitas breakwater repair and enhancements in Nuestra Señora de África Market vicinity, as well as urban regeneration in Añaza neighbourhoods will be initiated. These projects will see an investment of around 14 million euros, with a primary goal of ensuring energy efficiency to cut electricity consumption by almost 50%, necessitating specialised companies.
