Yesterday, the PSOE of Puerto de la Cruz sought the backing of the local councils of La Orotava and Los Realejos to secure the involvement of the Cabildo of Tenerife and the Government of the Canary Islands, requesting them to expedite, “without further delay”, the actions necessary for the Valley’s purification system.
“We urge the respective mayors to break their unsettling silence, take a stance on this matter, and exhibit some solidarity by demanding accountability and commitment from their counterparts in the island and regional administrations to provide urgent solutions for wastewater and its treatment, which also originates from their municipalities,” emphasised the former mayor of the area, Marco González.
The PSOE also directs sharp criticism towards the Cabildo, expressing discontent with its president, Rosa Dávila, for “not addressing seriously” the emergency resulting from the closure of Playa Jardín, primarily caused by a rupture of the emissary close to the coast. In a statement, it asserts that Dávila “cannot evade responsibility by hiding behind the Afonso brothers; she must confront the duties that fall to her as president of the Insular Water Council”.
In this context, the socialists remind us that this fissure has persisted for four years “and the Council has yet to rectify it, indicating either a lack of competence or indifference, “a matter that will be adjudicated by the judiciary in light of the investigation undertaken by the environmental prosecutor’s office,” states Secretary of Organisation Zebenzuí González. He alludes to the inquiry initiated to ascertain the origins of the discharges and, consequently, whether a crime has been perpetrated by the relevant administration.
“It is also imperative for Costas to authorise, once and for all, the thorough repair of a section of the outfall that is in a highly precarious state, a condition that accounts for its rupture, which appears to be more critical than the Council indicated a month and a half ago,” states the secretary. Furthermore, he highlights that “only the council has released an analysis of the area associated with the rupture revealing astronomical levels of contamination by E. coli and enterococci, which raises serious concerns regarding the efficacy of the treatment plant.” “It is crucial for the Council to share data concerning the waters exiting the regional installation to eliminate any uncertainties about whether the treatment plant is fulfilling its role or not.”
