Approximately 2,000 inhabitants in Ten-Bel, specifically in Costa del Silencio within the municipality of Arona, have suffered from temporary water shortages over the past fortnight, as reported by local residents. This interruption in the water supply, which varies in duration and frequency depending on the proximity of each development to the supply centre, has led to considerable discontent in seven communities reliant on this private distribution network.
The primary supply, situated less than 2 kilometres away, caters to the communities in the vicinity. This distribution system is operated by a company which, according to residents, “has left the network in a state of disrepair,” resulting in constant supply disruptions. Inhabitants assert that the management of this infrastructure has not undertaken any significant upgrades or maintenance for over 30 years. Consequently, they claim, each time an incident arises—such as breaks or technical issues—the authorities opt to cut off the supply. Officials have informed the residents of the developments that the problem may “relate to the calcification of the pipes,” necessitating a comprehensive purification process for the water system.
Not all developments are impacted by water cuts in the same manner. Based on residents’ accounts, areas nearer to the supply centre experience shorter outages, whereas those located further away, yet also closer to the core of Las Galletas, endure longer interruptions. For instance, the Drago development has reported outages spanning two weeks, which commence around 8:30 in the evening and last until 9 or 10 the following morning.
In Alborada, the cuts begin at 11:30 at night, with the supply not being restored until 10 or 11 the next morning.
In light of the absence of solutions, some communities have opted to implement preventative measures. Residents have collaborated and gathered funds to install water tanks to secure a minimal supply during outages.
A resident from a community comprising about 300 individuals explained that, after a fundraising effort where each household contributed around 100 euros, they successfully raised 30,000 euros to purchase three water tanks of 5,000 litres each. “It is a precautionary step. They are already installed, and we will soon be able to utilise them,” he remarked.
