Yesterday, the Cabildo of Tenerife commenced the extension works of the Abades social and health centre, situated in the Arico municipality, a venture that will facilitate the creation of 76 additional residential places for senior citizens. With an investment of 4.2 million euros, the project is incorporated into the Islénior plan, the inaugural Island Plan for Comprehensive Care for the Elderly, as stated by the Island Corporation.
The vice president of the Cabildo, Lope Afonso (PP), along with the Social Action councillor, Águeda Fumero (PP), and the mayor of Arico, Olivia Delgado (PSOE), were present at yesterday’s signing of the rethinking act, which signifies the official commencement of the works. The execution of these works, awarded to the enterprise VVO Construcciones y Proyectos SA, is anticipated to span a period of 18 months, and there are expectations that this infrastructure will become a vital resource for social and health care in the southern region.
This project was initially tendered in August 2021, with a budget of 3,517 million euros. However, in April 2023, the tender was deemed void.
Consequently, in April 2024, it was put out to tender once more, this time with a revised budget increased to 5 million euros. In September 2024, the project was awarded for a final sum of 4.2 million euros, thereby allowing construction to proceed.
Minister Águeda Fumero emphasised yesterday that this expansion is part of the Cabildo’s strategy to enhance social services. Furthermore, she noted that a thorough assessment of the social and health requirements in southern Tenerife is in progress to outline future initiatives.
This plan encompasses new centres in municipalities such as Arona, with the El Mojón social health centre. In this instance, the Cabildo has earmarked 100,000 euros in the 2024 budget for the project’s drafting, which will be housed on the site of the former CAE El Mojón barracks.
She also referred to the developments planned for San Miguel, where both administrations are collaborating to identify a suitable venue reflective of a similar project’s specifications (the potential for its location in the coastal area of Amarilla Golf is under consideration), in addition to the expansion of centres of this nature in Adeje and Santiago del Teide.
“Historically, the southern region has received less focus within the socio-health infrastructure framework, but the island government and the local councils are now collaborating to rectify this situation,” remarked the councillor.
Among the ongoing projects, the Guía de Isora social and health centre stands out. The infrastructure has secured a grant of 3.7 million euros from the European Next Generation funds.
CHALLENGES FOR OPENING
This support is intended for the provision of equipment and the replacement of items damaged by vandalism. This centre has yet to commence operations due to the absence of critical components, such as lifts, kitchen apparatus, laundry, machine rooms, and a generator set. The project will feature 75 residential spaces and 20 for daytime stays.
In his comments, the island vice president, Mr. Lope Afonso, highlighted the Council’s dedication to enhancing the island’s socio-health network. “This project is a direct response to the societal needs of our elderly population. Our priority is to increase the number of places and ensure they are equitably distributed across the Island,” he stated.
The mayor of Arico described the commencement of the works as “a significant milestone for the municipality and the region.” “This new resource will advantage the residents of Arico and the entire area. This centre will provide a space to care for our elderly with the dignity and attention they rightfully deserve,” he remarked.
