Government of the Canary Islands and Tenerife Council have formalised their partnership regarding housing, aiming to construct 257 social apartments designated for affordable rent and public ownership across seven municipalities throughout the island, encompassing the north, south, and the metropolitan area, specifically in Santiago del Teide, El Sauzal, Granadilla, Guímar, Los Realejos, El Rosario, and San Miguel de Abona. The regional president, Fernando Clavijo, and the island’s representative, Rosa Dávila, signed the agreement yesterday, which outlines an investment of €45 million from both administrations until 2028. Of this total, €25.7 million will come from the Canary Islands Housing Institute (Icavi), while €19.3 million will be supplied by the island corporation. Construction is set to commence in 2025 in two locations, Santiago del Teide and El Sauzal, which are currently in the bidding phase.
Competencies
The Cabildo of Tenerife becomes the pioneering island authority within the Canary Islands to take on the responsibilities established by the Royal Decree concerning urgent housing measures by the Government of the Canary Islands from February of last year. This grants it the ability to directly promote, tender, and construct protected housing, which marks a historical milestone, a pivotal moment in the island’s housing policies, as articulated by Rosa Dávila.
“Essential”
Fernando Clavijo, the president of the Canary Islands, emphasised the agreement between the administrations on housing as being “essential to provide a superior service” to individuals in need of a decent home at reasonable costs. Alongside Clavijo and Dávila, the signing ceremony also included Antonio Ortega, the director of Icavi, insular vice president Lope Afonso, and area advisor Sonia Hernández. Clavijo noted that “this agreement is the result of the efforts we have made since the beginning of the Legislature to realise the Canary Islands Housing Plan 2020-2025.” He affirmed that “it represents a decisive step in this Government’s commitment to ensure that all residents of the Canary Islands have access to adequate and affordable housing.” Additionally, “working with the island entities, which must play a role in addressing the issues affecting their citizens, regardless of whether they fall within their jurisdiction,” he said. Thus, “we will continue to promote collaboration between administrations, which is a key tool.”
“Historical milestone”
Rosa Dávila characterised the signing as a “historic milestone for our Island. Taking on responsibilities in housing matters not only represents a significant advance in our operational capacity but also signifies an act of duty regarding one of the most serious challenges our society faces. She mentioned that “the construction of these homes will alleviate pressure on the real estate market and enhance the living standards of our most vulnerable families.”
The agreement
The objective of the agreement is to expand the public housing stock within Tenerife. Mobilising €45 million co-financed, with 57.11% from Icavi and 42.89% from the Cabildo. The allocation of the 257 protected units on publicly owned land, provided at no cost by local councils and with public ownership structured as rentals, is detailed as follows: Santiago del Teide (Arguayo, €3.3 million) and El Sauzal (Calle San Nicolás, €3.2 million) each with 17 homes; Granadilla de Abona (Cuevas Cho Portada, €7.9 million) with 47 homes; Güímar (Las Cruces, €4.9 million) with 30; Los Realejos (€5 million) with 27; San Miguel de Abona (€15.7 million) with 90; and El Rosario (€5 million) with 29. The agreement empowers the Cabildo to undertake comprehensive management of the projects, from bidding and contracting through to execution and oversight, while Icavi provides the necessary plots and covers part of the costs associated with technical and construction management services.
