Various political parties in the municipality of Arico, including the PP, PSOE, and Arico, We are all, have voiced their discontent regarding the absence of street lighting for over a month at the roundabout positioned at the upper margin of the TF-1 motorway, near Crossing Abades.
This roundabout, which links to the TF-629 road leading to the town centre, serves as a crucial junction for local traffic, and the ongoing lack of illumination poses significant hazards to the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and local inhabitants. Moreover, Arico We are all alleges that the removal of lighting may potentially tie to commercial interests that prioritise “private gains over public safety.”
José Luis Hervella, an opposition councillor and general secretary of Arico, We are all, stated yesterday that the decreased visibility in this locale “substantially heightens the chances of accidents, particularly at night and during inclement weather.” “If you saw elderly individuals using mobile phones for light when exiting the bus… it would break your heart…” he elaborated. He also emphasised that the lack of lighting endangers pedestrians traversing the area, “making them vulnerable to potential assaults and fostering a heightened sense of insecurity.”
In a similar vein, a statement released by the Ariquera Corporation highlights that the removal of lighting coincides with “clearing the land adjacent to the roundabout,” seemingly connected to the movement of heavy machinery, alongside specialised vehicles for transporting tall metal columns, rotor blades, and wind turbines intended for a new wind farm development in our municipality.
“If this proves to be the case, we consider it unacceptable and of grave concern that the interests of a company or corporation take precedence over the safety, rights, and physical well-being of the general public, specifically the residents of Arico,” stated Hervella in the announcement. The councillor directly references the construction of a new wind farm, insinuating that the removal of street lighting “may be driven by corporate interests that overshadow the protection and welfare of the local populace.”
Furthermore, Hervella pointed out that public lighting not only helps prevent accidents and crimes such as theft or vandalism but also “fosters a sense of peace and well-being among residents and users of the Abades crossing.” In this regard, Arico We are all has penned a letter to the Cabildo de Tenerife demanding the immediate reinstatement of lighting, describing this action as “crucial to ensure road safety and enhance the quality of life along this busy route.”
Response from the Municipal Government
On their part, the municipal government of Arico, led by Olivia Delgado (PSOE) in coalition with the Popular Party, has communicated to this outlet that they have escalated the situation to the Ministry of Roads of the Cabildo de Tenerife following persistent pleas from the community. When questioned regarding the business interests mentioned by Councillor Hervella, the municipal government opted for silence, asserting that “it is beyond their jurisdiction.”
In addition, the Cabildo de Tenerife, as the insular authority competent in this matter, has not provided a response to this outlet concerning the actions that will be taken in this regard.
