The Arona City Council is battling against the clock to prevent the eviction set for tomorrow, Tuesday, of 90 families comprising a total of 210 individuals from the Chasna building in Costa del Silencio. This is due to the structural weakness and risk of collapse of the incomplete property they currently inhabit.
Thus far, the local authorities’ efforts to secure alternative housing for these residents have been unsuccessful.
The 90 families, which include elderly individuals, infants, and expectant mothers, are set to be evicted tomorrow around 9:30 a.m., as per the order from the Court of First Instance number 3 of Arona.
According to EFE, the Councilor for Social Services at the Arona City Council, Ruth Martín, expressed that the court order “prioritises people’s safety over vulnerability reports.”
Martín mentioned that they are working “in extremis” to find a solution and have reached out to entities like Cáritas, the Red Cross, and the Government Subdelegation for support. Despite these efforts, no viable solution has been found yet.
When asked about liaising with the Government of the Canary Islands, the Canarian Housing Institute, and the Tenerife Cabildo, Martín confirmed that these institutions have also been unable to provide a resolution due to “saturation of all resources.”
Unfortunately, there is no relief from hotels, hostels, and other accommodations, as Martín stated, “we are currently in the peak of the winter tourist season, and all lodging facilities are nearly at full capacity until the end of March.”
Regarding the option of setting up temporary accommodations, Martín explained that it was disapproved as it might “establish a precedent.” She questioned, “Why should we set up a facility now when we didn’t do it last week for the two families left on the streets?”
She highlighted that the case of the Chasna building has garnered media attention due to the high number of residents facing eviction. However, she emphasised that Arona encounters such situations on a daily basis, with 10 to 12 evictions notified monthly in the region.
The head of the Social Services department remains optimistic about finding a solution while hoping that this situation will raise awareness of the housing crisis prevalent in the Canary Islands.
Martín described the challenging housing situation, with shantytowns, caravan parks, and many individuals living in cars, caves, and sheds. She stated, “The housing crisis in southern Tenerife is alarming, particularly in the municipality of Arona.”
She attributed the housing emergency to the Housing Law enacted in 2021, which aimed to safeguard tenants facing economic challenges post the Covid-19 pandemic.
Martín pointed out that the legislation has led property owners to shift their residences from the rental to the holiday market, deeming the latter as a more secure option.
She lamented the limited availability of rental properties in the residential market, pointing towards soaring prices and stringent requirements like high income, no children, and substantial deposits.
“Even with employment, affording rent in southern Tenerife is currently unattainable,” Martín cautioned.
In addition to the impending eviction, residents of the Costa del Silencio building have raised grievances about the inability to register. Martín acknowledged this issue and clarified that it would not hinder them from seeking municipal emergency aid by simply registering with social services.
In light of this, she disclosed that the Registry department of the Arona City Council halted registrations a week ago due to the impending eviction of families from the condemned building, where a total of 65 residents are currently registered.
Expressing hope for a viable solution for the families, Ruth Martín highlighted that the most vulnerable individuals within the property will be given precedence in finding an alternative.
