Situated in Santa Úrsula, along the street that shares its name, the Taoro viewpoint provides stunning vistas of the entire La Orotava Valley, with its boundary demarcated by the El Pino ravine. What was once a peaceful spot until a few years ago has now transformed into a distressing sight for local inhabitants following the pandemic.
The viewpoint lacks proper street illumination and has sadly become a dumping ground. Various types of litter like cans, papers, urine, cat tails, condoms, bottles, and other debris are carelessly tossed into the ravine, cluttering the ground and quarries in an area where many still opt to stop and admire the view.
Adding to the issue is the poor state of the road, marred by deteriorating asphalt and riddled with potholes. However, the most severe neglect is observed from the beginning of the street up to number 33; beyond that point, the road leading to the viewpoint is in better condition.
Local residents experience darkness daily, particularly when entering or exiting their homes despite faithfully paying their taxes to the City Council. One resident in the vicinity, fed up with this state of affairs, lodged a formal complaint with the City Council two years ago and is still awaiting a response. “I have yet to receive any communication,” she states. At least not officially; she was merely advised to rally more people as her solitary efforts were deemed ineffective.
In the petition, they outlined the urgent need for road resurfacing, repair of the broken and defaced flowerbeds, walls, railings, and the preparation of the cattail-infested area. Additionally, they urged the City Council to install speed bumps to curb the reckless speeding, a situation that has necessitated interventions by the local police, but to no avail, they lament.
This action was deemed necessary due to accessibility challenges for pedestrians on the road, who are forced to share the pathway with vehicles to reach their destinations. The increased speeding by drivers poses an additional risk. “We often take walks with our dogs and young child, and my husband has had to shield the pram because of the excessive speeds,” a neighbour shares.
The situation escalated further some time ago as the viewing point has now turned into a “secret spot” where many gather to witness the illegal car races that occur almost nightly on the TF-21, the road beneath their residences towards Cuesta de la Villa and Las Cuevas. The former belongs to Santa Úrsula, while the latter belongs to La Orotava, the neighbouring town.
“They arrange chairs and customised cars, notifying when the area is clear to commence the race up the Taoro street incline,” the resident highlights, adding that “initially, two or three cars participated, but gradually more joined in.”
These spectators arrive with loudspeakers, blaring music, leaving behind litter and shattered glass bottles strewn across the area. This, coupled with the hazardous curve leading to the viewpoint, which many residents must navigate to reach their homes, poses a significant challenge.
“Previously, this was a weekly occurrence, but now it happens almost every day,” he laments.
Another neighbour residing in the La Orotava section of the area faced a similar predicament. Upon alerting emergency services, they were promptly called in for a meeting by the local authorities. Following complaints by residents regarding rampant speeding in different areas like the Las Cuevas Urbanisation, the Town Hall implemented corrective actions such as speed monitoring using new radar technology acquired by the Local Police.
Given these actions, the residents are baffled as to why no substantial measures have been taken in Santa Ursula to address the issues. They question whether these actions are meant to encourage more visitors or residents to utilise the area, critiquing the recent installation of aesthetically pleasing wooden signposts directing visitors towards the viewpoint. “Significant funds were expended on these signs with detailed information about the area, which seems counterproductive,” another resident remarks.
“They promote visits to the viewpoint but fail to provide a bin for litter disposal, resulting in litter being strewn around instead of being properly disposed of,” he notes wryly.
