Everything remains unchanged in the controversy surrounding the unauthorized settlement of Black Ridge next to the Friar, in Arona, spread over 400,000 square metres of rural agricultural land. Last Friday, over 300 residents of the “green wave” gathered in front of the Cultural Centre of Los Cristianos, peacefully demanding the regularization of their residences.
The community, led by the Lomo Negro Residents’ Association, has presented proposals to the City Council which they believe are feasible solutions.
A Participant’s Perspective
Among the many inhabitants affected by Black Ridge, Mrs. Fidia graciously welcomes us into her abode. Her quaint yet charming house, adorned with wooden furnishings, mirrors her roots and life in the Canary Islands. The courtyard is home to her two canine companions, while the vibrant tiled entryway beckons us into a residence brimming with cherished reminiscences.
“I’ve resided in the Canary Islands for 24 years. I am just one among many,” Mrs. Fidia expresses, a hint of both pride and sorrow in her voice. She recently received notifications indicating potential imprisonment and the levelling of her property. “The demolition notice arrived during Christmas. The deadline is the end of this month,” she discloses. “They want people to believe that 300 individuals knowingly built illegal residences. Would 300 people all disregard the law simultaneously? Are there not others involved? Do more parties bear responsibility?” the affected individual ponders.
Doña Fidia articulates her aspiration for the regularization of her home: This locality is essentially a village or neighbourhood now. She asserts that it’s “the only thing left for her,” given her incapacity to work. “Currently, I live on a shoestring budget. If they snatch away my home, they take everything from me,” she laments. Numerous narratives similar to this abound in the unauthorized urbanization of Black Ridge. The residents’ battle signifies their pursuit of what they perceive as justice and the legalization of properties that serve as havens for over 300 families.
