The renovation of the Las Chafiras Industrial Estate has evolved into a venture that, although started with good intentions, has led to considerable dissatisfaction among entrepreneurs, employees, and locals in the southern region of the island. Initially aimed at easing the severe congestion issues on the TF-1 motorway, the undertaking has faced significant delays, causing notable economic and social repercussions.
In 2017, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport of the Canary Islands government sanctioned a technical initiative that promised a swift and effective solution to the traffic concerns at the Las Chafiras interchange, which had a knock-on effect on the TF-1, the island’s primary transport route. With a budget exceeding 32 million euros, the initiative included refurbishing the existing interchange, constructing a new interchange in Oroteanda, and adding a third lane, which has been one of the major demands from the southern Tenerife populace. The expected duration of the work was set at 30 months from the commencement date.
The proposed Las Chafiras interchange was initially designed as an elevated roundabout above the TF-1 main road, linked by two circular overpasses. The TF-65 would connect to this roundabout, serving as a crossroad axis (between Los Abrigos and San Miguel), alongside two branches leading towards Santa Cruz de Tenerife and two collector-distributor roads heading south. Additionally, the new Oroteanda interchange was to be positioned in the Archile ravine, working in tandem with the Las Chafiras interchange to support the new roadway system.
The Mayor of San Miguel de Abona, Arturo González, underscored the significance of this project, asserting that “this infrastructure is essential for the island as a whole and the municipality in particular.” González indicated that the undertaking would not only tackle traffic complications but also stimulate the local economy by enhancing access to one of the key industrial hubs in Tenerife.
Progress of the work and extension of timelines
Contrary to expectations, the project has encountered numerous challenges. What was originally intended to last 30 months has extended into a timeframe that is now over three years delayed, marking approximately 62 weeks since the work began. As per the latest information, 85% of the intended tasks have been completed to date, with total finalisation not anticipated until the end of 2024 or even the first quarter of 2025, with the latter date being more probable.
Arturo González acknowledged the hurdles that have beset the project: “We have experienced significant delays. Complications arose from the outset, and the project had its deficiencies from the beginning.” He noted the complexity involved: “Our data shows that over 70,000 individuals pass through this location each day. Coordinating and executing work amidst such high traffic is exceedingly challenging.” He further admitted that, although advancements could have been achieved more swiftly, “regulations impose numerous technical requirements that have stalled progress.”
Javier Cabrera, president of the Círculo de Empresarios y Profesionales del Sur de Tenerife (CEST), who has been closely monitoring the project’s advancement, remarked on the intricacy of the process: “I believe there is not a singular reason explaining the prolonged duration of the work. Multiple legal issues have arisen… Managing all of these, compounded by bureaucracy and administrative standstill, has made the project remarkably intricate.”
Economic impact in the region
The delays have not only led to citizen frustration but have also significantly affected the economy of the Las Chafiras Industrial Estate and its vicinity. The anticipated alleviation of traffic congestion upon completion of the works has instead shifted toward the interior areas of the estate, severely impacting the businesses operating in the region. This estate encompasses four action zones: Las Andoriñas, Llano del Camello, Las Chafiras 1, and 2. Moreover, it has several access points to critical population hubs, such as Los Abrigos, the golf courses, Llano del Camello, and San Miguel… As a result of the works, one of the most significant estates within it, Las Andoriñas, has experienced numerous disruptions resulting in considerable harm to the enterprises in the area.
Arturo González emphasised the industrial estate’s importance for the local economy: “Over 300 companies are situated in the Las Chafiras industrial estate. The diversions have adverse effects on their clientele.” The mayor further noted that specific sectors, particularly the Las Andoriñas industrial estate, have been notably impacted: “It has suffered immensely due to this work. While I am unable to provide precise figures on the losses, once the work is finalised, there could be a re-evaluation which would likely be beneficial.”
The case of Pedro Brito, a businessman forced to shutter his workshop in Las Andoriñas, exemplifies the dire consequences of the delays. Brito articulated his frustration: “They abruptly closed off our entrances, leaving only one usable and solely on one side of the road… Effectively, we were nearly severed from access. I have incurred significant financial losses. I have to move on, otherwise, the situation will bury me.” His account mirrors the reality faced by many other businesses in the area, which have witnessed how access issues and traffic complications have severely diminished their customer base and revenue. Although several other firms have managed to remain operational, they have nonetheless suffered substantial financial losses, with reports of sales declines ranging from 20% to 23%, according to information obtained by this newspaper – a considerable setback for their business strategies.
In light of the extensive delays and adverse effects on the local economy, both authorities and business operators, including the Círculo de Empresarios y Profesionales del Sur de Tenerife (CEST), have suggested interventions to alleviate the consequences of the works. Recommendations include: augmenting human and material resources (a step that, after considerable time, was implemented by increasing the workforce to 60-70), conducting night shifts to expedite progress, and enhancing signage to better direct motorists during the ongoing construction.
Arturo González condemned the rigidity of the administrative framework, a prevalent topic of concern among those interviewed who have been closely following the work: “The administration is excessively legalistic while being highly impractical.”
Javier Cabrera, while acknowledging the efforts made, emphasised the necessity for improved inter-administrative collaboration in future initiatives: “Collaboration between administrative bodies has not met the required standards.”
of a project at a pivotal location, both for Tenerife and the Canary Islands.
“We are working relentlessly; this is an enormous undertaking”
Among the most significant accounts gathered by this newspaper is from a worker engaged in the project at the Las Chafiras Industrial Estate since the start of the year. Preferably remaining unnamed, he was willing to share his insights while taking a break by the roadside, aiming to elucidate certain points that, in his opinion, are not being accurately addressed: “Not everything is as they claim. There are clearly delays here, but we are labouring tirelessly; we must also consider that this is a colossal project.”
Since January 22, as he notes, he has been engaged in the site. He asserts that progress is being made notably each day, and although it may not be apparent, “it is adhering to the planned timeline for this year.” He adds that the substantial volume of vehicles passing through the area complicates the execution of the work: “How many vehicles pass through here monthly? It is exceedingly challenging to undertake this work at such a crucial juncture. Just the other day the bridge was dismantled; this type of task cannot be executed haphazardly. This is a highly critical location. Perhaps the initial deadlines were overly ambitious,” he concludes.
In summary, the initiative to renovate the Las Chafiras Industrial Estate exemplifies how delays in public works can severely affect the local economy and the residents’ daily lives. Despite the noble intentions and initial urgency, the lack of organisation has been a source of confusion for both local inhabitants and the workforce.
