The Canary Islands, like Spain as a whole, are set to achieve record-breaking tourist numbers in 2024, but cracks, paradoxes, and contradictions within the economic model are becoming more evident in various parts of the island and the Spanish coast. This scenario has been particularly pronounced over the past two weeks in the final stretch of Costa del Silencio, a key area within the municipality of Arona, Tenerife’s south, just bordering the marina and the Amarilla Golf course in San Miguel de Abona.
The mass eviction of the Chasna 8 building on the street of the same name, owned by the same family that controls the nearby port and golf course (Tavío), has become one of the most severe incidents in the history of the Canary Islands. The eviction, which took place on the 12th of this month, has had significant social repercussions. It affected 90 families comprising a total of 210 individuals, including Ukrainian refugees, pregnant women, minors, elderly individuals with health issues, and even employed persons. They had been occupying this building, constructed in the 1970s but left unfinished and abandoned ever since, for a maximum of 8 years. The eviction has garnered significant media attention and has become a focal point in the regional Parliament’s plenary session, intensifying the political dispute between the ruling coalition (CC-PP) and the opposition (PSOE) of the Cabildo of Tenerife and the Arona City Council over the past two weeks.
Despite attempts to halt or delay the eviction through various appeals and pleadings filed in court number 3 of the municipality, the court dismissed the arguments put forth by the affected parties. The court relied on a local report from 2021 indicating issues within the building and recommending eviction. However, the families claim that the situation of building number 8 is intertwined with that of building number 10 (which they assert is unrelated) and question whether a thorough structural assessment of the properties, as suggested in an “ocular analysis” from three years ago, has been conducted.
Measures taken by public authorities in recent weeks have managed to provide housing solutions for mothers with children and ensure that no child is left without a decent roof over their heads. In a plenary session at the Autonomous Chamber last Tuesday, the Minister of Public Works and Housing, Pablo Rodríguez (CC), announced that the region is offering the Prohogar program to the council to address this situation, along with other evictions occurring on the islands. “This is not an isolated case in the Canary Islands,” stated Rodríguez.
However, fifty individuals affected by the eviction, who are yet to secure alternative housing through family, friends, or authorities, have chosen to camp near the building that until recently was their home. They had carried out renovations and installed solar panels in the building to have access to energy. They firmly believe that the eviction decree is unjustified, unfair, and inconsistent, especially given the exorbitant property prices and unattainable rents in South Tenerife, particularly in municipalities like Adeje and Arona.
A striking paradox is that right next to Chasna 8, the Chasna B property, boasting a modern appearance synonymous with a tourist hotspot, displays signs offering vacation homes for sale and rent. This trend is prevalent in urban and midland areas of the islands, making it challenging to find affordable housing anywhere. Antonella Alioti, a former member of Sí Podemos Arona who consistently supports these families, has been passionately advocating for viable solutions to the housing crisis for years.
Interestingly, just above Chasna 8, another property with a more contemporary design suited for tourism also features “for sale” and “for rent” signs. Despite this, none of the 90 families affected by the eviction, even those with working members or occasional income, have considered contacting the number listed in the advertisement.Challenges Faced by Residents in Costa del Silencio, Tenerife
The bustling streets of Costa del Silencio, a popular tourist destination in Tenerife’s southern coast, capture the overflow of visitors. The terraces of quaint bars and the ubiquitous Titsa buses shuttling to Los Cristianos and Las Américas, highlight the region’s tourism boom. The surge in tourists has led to full occupancy rates, particularly evident days before Easter. The local council, represented by Ruth Martín (CC), notes the stark contrast between the thriving tourism industry and the resurgence of makeshift dwellings in the municipality, along with occupancy issues in other buildings.
Amidst this scenario, 50 steadfast occupants of the Chasna building, led by spokesperson Eloy Outerial Miniño, vow to pursue legal action to clarify their situation. Despite efforts by the property owners to fence off the area, the residents remain defiant, utilizing vans, kiosks, and awnings in their makeshift campsite. Eloy Outerial insists that any fencing on Endesa’s land must adhere to legal agreements and local regulations. Should eviction loom, the residents are prepared to relocate and continue their resistance.
Eloy, a resident of building 8 for 5 years, works in construction in the nearby vicinity of La Estrella. Like many others who faced eviction due to unaffordable rent, he struggles to secure adequate housing within his means.
Juan José, a long-term resident from Madrid, shares a similar plight. Despite working at a local butcher shop for 17 years, rising rental prices have left him with limited options. The scarcity of affordable housing is exacerbated by the proliferation of vacation rentals, a trend Juan José attributes to the city council’s policies.
The Pantsulai family, refugees from Ukraine, including Mirian, Tamar Janiashvili, Hana Pantsulaia, and Stanislav Medvediev, endure uncertain living conditions. Despite official recognition as long-term refugees, their housing situation remains precarious, prompting them to seek assistance from the local authorities.
Whether inside or outside building 8, the residents continue to grapple with the common misfortune of inadequate housing. As they navigate legal battles, they strive to transform their struggle into a beacon of hope amidst the housing crisis in the region.
