What balance do you make of these four months as mayor?
There are many things to do. I am very clear about the real priorities of the neighbors and we cannot deviate from them.
Is that between CC and PSOE still a pact that ‘works well’?
We are two parties that have come together to fulfill agreements that we understand are positive for Güímar. Compliance with these agreements is the thermometer of the municipal pact.
What analysis do you make of the state of CC in the municipality?
In a good moment, we have found the key to having a balanced team, we all know 100% of Güímar and his problems. We provide proximity and solutions to the neighbors.
Do you expect more from the Popular Party or are you not surprised by the politics it practices?
The PP is the opposition party with the most representation. Its councilors also work to improve Güímar. You have to listen to them and I would like them to be participants in decision-making.
What is the roadmap for the rest of the term?
We have a resounding commitment: to improve the living conditions of the greatest number of neighbors with actions. That must be above any other intention or mega-infrastructure.
Is unemployment still the main problem of the municipality?
Yes, it is still the biggest problem. 2,100 unemployed is a high number. A person who is unemployed gets desperate, has a bad time, does not want help, wants to work. In Güímar there are entire families without a single member working.
You maintain that administration is key to recovery. What lines does your government have to advance in this direction?
Yes that’s how it is. We propose business dynamization by sectors; a plan for each sector, but with connections; technology with the reduction of the digital divide, restoration with local products, fashion and accessories with events, logistics with the projection of the municipality as a strategic place on the island …
What happens to the cleaning contest and by when?
It is the greatest failure of this government group and the previous one. While this tender is going out, I have ordered the acquisition of new resources: trucks, containers, everything that can be done and let us have it in advance. On the other hand, Airam Puerta, the first deputy mayor, works in a reinforcement.
In 2017 the Cabildo spoke of improving the highway-El Puertito road section. What was left?
It remains stagnant in the expropriation process.
And of the pedestrian walkway to avoid the insecurity of the passage under the highway?
It is surprising, but there was no orderly file in the city council on this matter. I have requested the precise reports, the documentation has been ordered and a complete file has been sent to the Cabildo and the Government of the Canary Islands. The insecurity situation is serious. They must act immediately.
When is the 2022 budget for?
In short, the Treasury area has sent us the latest draft.
The extra cost of the repair of the Las Bajas slope, by the sea margin of the highway tunnel, will it end up in the courts?
I do not know. Decisions to be made based on the reports will determine this.
The affected neighbors are not paid the rent for the relocation, although his predecessor announced that the City Council was assuming it. There’s a solution?
It is being a complex file and, what is worse, it generates uncertainty. I want it to be solved as soon as possible. In the meantime, I have ordered the start of the aid procedure for the affected families.
And what happens to the extra cost of the completed work on the Santa Lucía slope?
They are different circumstances. We are awaiting the reports of the modification to act accordingly.
In this mandate, will there be advances in solutions for the submarine outfalls of El Puertito and El Socorro?
There must be, they are very complex advances due to the legal burden that each step that takes takes, with the involvement of three City Councils, the Cabildo and the Government of the Canary Islands. We will advance as long as a unity is achieved in the municipal plenary session. The first to be developed, due to its connection to the Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant (E), will be that of the Industrial Estate.
The regional treatment plant is ready, but the networks to channel the sewage to it are not. What perspective does Güímar have?
Güímar will arrive in time to channel with the Los Llanos slope.
The management of the Industrial Estate will be carried out by a consortium. When?
The management of the Polygon must be closed during this mandate. Once the idea of the conservation entity has been rejected, the decision will be made between two figures: consortium or association.
At this moment, in what situation is the conflict of the aggregates?
In a total vacuum of decisions. The sentence says unenforceable. What is clear is that Güímar continues with the holes, which are eroding more and more and that nobody executes anything. Every six months a loose idea arrives without legal protection.
Is agriculture in Güímar as an economic engine a reality?
Yes, and it can grow much larger if we are able to generate more water for irrigation. Young people will be interested in agriculture as long as competitive wages and businesses are achieved. For this, society and the catering, gastronomy and food businesses must encourage the value of local produce in their establishments.
Is there anything left to pay of the more than two million pending payment that they inherited?
They choose us to fix problems, seek solutions and find new opportunities for improvement for the municipality, not to complain about what others did.
El Puertito does not end up exploding as the place it deserves. Do you explain it?
El Puertito is a privileged place, it has it all. On the one hand, a natural reserve such as Malpaís de Güímar and, on the other, the slope of the Valley. In the middle, a Nautical Club, a modern beach of 700 linear meters, a fishing village with its pond, a historic pier and a prelude to the nature reserve with cave houses. In Tenerife there is no such place. But I am also aware that it lacks a cleanup reinforcement and greater police presence to enforce municipal ordinances.
You are difficult to locate in the office and do not lavish on the media or social networks.
In the office you have to be what is necessary, no more. Politics is done outside the office. Today, a large part of the daily management you have on the tablet. And the best social network is to kick the streets of the municipality with the neighbors telling you where the problems and incidents are.
