José Luis Hervella, the councillor of Arico We Are All, calls upon all political parties and residents to unite in the effort to expedite the completion of Plaza de la Villa de Arico. “Political affiliations have no relevance in this issue,” he asserts.
This appeal follows his party’s approval of a payment of €150,453 to the winning contractor as a “step to revitalise the project,” according to the mayor, Olivia Delgado (PSOE). Andrés Martínez (PP), his coalition partner, emphasized that this acknowledgment is “one more step towards resolving the debts owed to the successful contractor.” CC opposed the motion, seeking the termination of the contract as an “alien” process to the invoice and reminded that this “neck was favourably reported during the previous term.” Hervella concurs with CC spokesman, Víctor García, in stating that “it is essential to conclude the existing contract,” though “an updated audit and establishing, via technical reports, the projects that need to be executed” are necessary. The councillor asserts that “it is vital for the square to remain aligned with the general interest, and all political forces represented in the plenary must collaborate to achieve this objective.”
Progress to Date
The redevelopment plan for Plaza Villa de Arico I and II and its environs received approval in 2015, with the competition and commencement of the works occurring in 2016. The plan to create a new square for Villa de Arico is expected to take 18 months. Its funding stems from the compensation awarded to the municipality by the town hall for landfill use, an agreement that was not renewed by the island administration. The usable area is 6,396 square metres and will include a municipal library measuring 360 square metres, four multifunctional halls, and two exhibition rooms totalling 745 square metres, alongside a crypt of over 135 square metres. Additionally, public restrooms will be provided.
In early December 2016, the fencing for the square began, marking the site for the ongoing construction, which was re-evaluated on November 2 of the same year. Following just one year of progress, the first halt occurred, lasting seven months. On May 21, 2019—which was five days prior to the municipal elections—the second and ongoing suspension of the Plaza de Villa de Arico construction took place. According to estimates, the project is currently 75% complete.
In Conclusion
“The square must transcend all of this and remain a matter of general interest. From day one, we have led by example and will continue to do so,” states José Luis Hervella, who believes that this initiative is independent of who is governing in Arico or managing the Mayor’s Office. “Our vote will always favour any action that promotes the general interest and the advancement of the Plaza project,” he concludes. This initiative originated 31 years ago, with nine years having passed since the commencement of the works.
