The Councillor for Urban Planning and Territorial Development of La Orotava, Narciso Pérez, stated yesterday that the governing team “will commence work” to enhance security in the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, which serves as the primary gastronomic and nightlife hub of the area.
Pérez made these comments following a question raised in the Plenary by the Councillor for the Assembly for La Orotava, Manuel Pacheco, regarding who is accountable for carrying out these improvements, whether the Council or the property owner, considering that the square “fails to comply with safety regulations, as there are no railings or barriers preventing individuals from climbing on the garden area and approaching the structure, thus risking a fall of over eight meters.”
In this context, he highlighted the multitude of activities that transpire there throughout the year, along with the restaurants and the potential for hosting events during the renovation of the Teobaldo Power Auditorium.
Narciso Pérez pointed out that the building has been around since 2002 “and the design even predates that. We face challenges in adapting to the regulations, but there is a consensus on the necessity of implementing these enhancements to bolster security for the events held there.”
He confirmed that guidance has been sought from municipal legal services concerning who bears the responsibility for these improvements; however, “the Council will take action,” he emphasised.
“In the legal discussion, we might find ourselves at an impasse since the agreement does not specify it. We are all aware of the situation concerning the concessionaire, and we are dealing with a bankruptcy administration; yet, we must prioritise the improvement. The municipal services are evaluating the works, and we hope they can commence as soon as feasible,” he concluded.
The spokesperson for the PP, Ildefonso González, inquired about the specific measures planned by the governing team to address the poor condition of the El Oregano road. In response, the Councillor for Municipal Services, Yurena Luis, confirmed that this route is included in the intervention programme and that funding for pipes necessary for subsequent lighting and surfacing is secured. “There is also a maintenance service responsible for addressing wear in those streets that have deteriorated due to use. Actions are prioritised based on requests, technical reports, and budget resources,” she stated.
In terms of the PSOE, the mayor Samuel Mesa asked whether steps would be taken to provide alternative cultural film screenings in La Orotava, with offerings akin to those provided, for instance, by TEA. It was the mayor, Francisco Linares, who responded that “this type of cinema is not available in the municipality; however, other organisations such as the Taoro Lyceum do provide it, though it attracts limited audience interest as it is specialist cinema.”
