Olivia Delgado, the socialist mayor of Arico, spearheads a governance that signals a distinct shift after 36 years of Coalición Canaria’s administration in the municipality. Following a collaboration with the Popular Party, Delgado has embarked on the mission of reorganising a municipality that, in her view, has faced severe challenges due to years of inaction. The current socialist mayor experienced a “dream and hardworking” period in the Senate from 2019 to 2023, where she cultivated a close relationship with Nadia Calviño, the former vice president of the Government. In a volatile political landscape within the island, highlighted by the recent motion of censure in the Puerto de La Cruz City Council that ousted the PSOE from power, Delgado maintains that governance in Arico continues to operate with stability. Her administration concentrates on crucial projects, such as revising the financial compensation the municipality receives for hosting the Environmental Complex, as well as planning wind farms to harmonise economic development with community impact. Additionally, Arico is developing a new General Development Plan. “It can positively or negatively affect people’s lives,” asserts the mayor.
-One of the most contentious topics in this council pertains to the tender process for the renovation of the square outside the Town Hall. What actions have you taken during your first year in office regarding this matter?
“Upon assuming power, this project had been on hold for four years. The work was halted in 2019 due to a deficit project. After reviewing the case, we provided the necessary directives, starting with the termination of the contract, as this is an essential step to recommence the work. It has been a highly complex process. We are now on the verge of issuing the final report, which is the legal assessment. Its content will determine the contract’s termination. The technical evaluations have already been completed, and the contractor has been invited to present their arguments, which they have done. Concurrently, we have integrated the amount indicated in the technical report into the budget, along with the damages claimed by the contractor, which total approximately 250,000 euros. An additional invoice of 150,000 euros will also be settled with the contractor for work completed prior to the cessation in 2019, which the previous administration neglected to pay.”
-You were the first council in Tenerife to implement a municipal ordinance concerning motorhomes. What is the current status of this initiative?
“The ordinance was finalised, pending only the legal assessments. However, when we publicised our intention, the Council approved an island-wide ordinance. Now, we await the technicians to complete their analysis and ensure our plan aligns with the island ordinance, as both must be consistent. Arico initiated these measures early, indicating that it was not solely a municipal concern but an issue for the entire island, necessitating regulations at the island level with designated camping areas throughout. The Council adopted our proposals, leading to the approval of an island ordinance and the reinstatement of the camping area plan. I believe Arico responded swiftly and coherently to the issue.”
-Let’s discuss the most ambitious projects on your horizon, particularly regarding the wind sector.
“We are currently developing the supplementary plan and have conducted numerous meetings, both the first deputy mayor and I, with the Government of the Canary Islands, which is in the process of drafting the General Plan for municipal organisation. This is vital for Arico’s social and economic growth. Regarding wind projects, we have always advocated for a strategy that defines suitable locations for these infrastructures. Arico has consistently supported Tenerife, as nearly 100% of the island’s renewable energy is produced here. However, this has adversely affected our environment, impairing the landscape and utilising fertile land previously devoted to agriculture. These repercussions are not isolated; they accumulate and impact citizens. Therefore, we argue that energy development must adhere to established criteria, as many wind and photovoltaic parks already exist within our municipality.”
Do you believe your municipality receives adequate financial compensation for handling the island’s waste?
“Arico is home to the Environmental Complex that manages waste for the entire island, and we deem the current financial compensation clearly insufficient. The existing agreement outlines a compensation of 852,000 euros, which represents the annual payment for last year and is being dispensed this year; an amount that fails to accurately reflect the implications of hosting an infrastructure of this scale in our municipality. For this reason, we have proposed the formation of a technical and political working group to comprehensively assess all the repercussions that the presence of the complex brings to Arico, ensuring our municipality receives proportional and fair compensation. A first technical meeting was convened in June, and we anticipate a subsequent meeting which will advance this analysis. The impact of this complex on Arico’s economic development is considerable, as its footprint exceeds 4 million square metres, directly influencing our residents’ quality of life. Thus, we not only demand a reassessment of the financial compensation but also advocate for a robust push towards establishing a recycling industry and a green economy that would, alongside creating jobs, help alleviate the strain of this infrastructure on our municipality.”
-It is known that political figures are often subjected to strategic manoeuvres, as they are like pieces on a chessboard. The question is straightforward: do you foresee a new and third motion of censure on the horizon?
“The atmosphere within the Arico government is considerably more positive now than at the beginning of our tenure. Our consistent efforts have fostered unity, and we see that governance is proceeding effectively. Both the PP and we have made it clear: we dismiss the notion of a motion of censure and are here for the benefit of the citizens. This government is committed to Arico for the next four years. The residents seek solutions to the persistent issues affecting the municipality, not further controversies. Therefore, these inquiries should be directed towards CC and ASM. This government is not concerned with motions of censure. We have a strong alliance with both the PSOE and the PP, working with loyalty. Personally, I have not engaged in discussions with anyone on this matter, as our focus remains on addressing the serious problems facing Arico, which have accumulated due to decades of neglect and debt.”
