The appointed time arrived at 9:30 a.m. this Tuesday when the more than 200 residents of the Chasna building, left idle for years and situated in the municipality of Arona in southern Tenerife, have been forced to evacuate after receiving notice just a fortnight ago. A substantial deployment of officers from the National Police and the Civil Guard arrived early in the morning to carry out the evacuation of the building, consisting of over 40 homes, following the order issued by the Court of First Instance number 3 of Arona.
Along with losing their homes, the tragedy for these families lies in the absence of any housing alternatives provided by either the City Council or the Cabildo. As mentioned to the media, many are now contemplating sleeping on the beach as a last resort.
The eviction was warranted due to the structural instability and risk of collapse of the partially constructed property they were residing in. Ruth Martín, the Councilor for Social Services in the Arona City Council, admitted on Monday that vulnerability assessments were overlooked in this instance, prioritizing people’s safety.
It was also mentioned that no suitable accommodation could be found for these individuals. The Arona Social Services team proposed utilizing some local space, a proposition rejected due to the fear of setting a precedent. The councillor acknowledged that the municipality experiences one or two evictions weekly, despite not being declared a tense region. Arona is one of Tenerife’s most popular tourist areas, with plans for a new city, El Mojón, spanning over a million square meters, of which a third will be under the City Council’s jurisdiction. Surprisingly, there are no intentions to build public housing within this new city. The councillor openly admitted that the housing crisis in southern Tenerife is spiralling out of control.
The scenes unfolding are deeply distressing as families, some with children and elderly relatives to care for, are left stranded on the streets.
Behind each individual being evicted lies a unique tale, like that of Daniela Garzón.Struggles of Families Facing Eviction in Arona
A mother with a 40-day-old baby is waiting in a makeshift tent near the Chasna building. She shares her uncertainty about the night ahead, expressing hope that someone will show them kindness. Hailing from Colombia, she explains that they have been living in this incomplete building for a year without proper documentation or work contracts, solely relying on their passports for identification.
Daniela and her family turned to municipal social services upon receiving the eviction notice, however, were told that they need to have a bank account, which they currently do not possess.
“We’ve only just arrived, with nothing to our name, yet they demand everything,” laments another neighbour, a 21-year-old holding her newborn child in despair.
Joaquín, aged 32, shares the emotional burden of the past month leading up to the eviction, especially poignant as he thinks of his 5-year-old daughter, who is celebrating her birthday amidst the turmoil.
Expressing frustration over the lack of resources and housing options, Joaquín questions the expenses incurred by the extensive police presence in contrast to the alleged unavailability of homes.
Voices rise amongst the evicted residents, suggesting ulterior motives behind the eviction, with speculations of the building being transformed into luxurious accommodations or a supermarket.
Despite feeling embarrassed by his living situation, Joaquín emphasises his desire to pay for rental housing rather than receive it for free, highlighting the high costs and stringent conditions present in the Canary Islands.
Residents vocalise their distress over leaving behind belongings and beloved pets in the face of eviction, with one individual estimating his losses at 1,000 euros.
Reflecting on the vulnerable demographics impacted by the eviction, Juan José condemns the perceived illegality of the court order and the lack of recognition towards those affected.
Amidst the sadness and uncertainty, the absence of the mayor, Fátima Lemes, during the eviction process is noted, prompting feelings of abandonment and disappointment among the residents.
As the eviction unfolds, onlookers including local citizens and tourists observe the events, expressing sympathy for the displaced families and urging intervention from the Spanish government to curb landlord excesses.
Stories of hardship surface as the eviction proceeds, unveiling complex narratives that lack a sense of closure or resolution.
The eviction of 90 families transpires without major disturbances on this fateful morning, concluding with a bittersweet cry for justice as the affected individuals hope for their plight to reach the broader public eye.
