Arafo Residents Demand Action to Break Stalled Community Center Project

Small towns often struggle to fund social projects, even when there is strong political support. The neighborhood association "El Carmen Se Mueve" reports that plans for a new community center in the El Carmen area of Arafo have stalled, and they are calling for a more effective plan to get the project moving.

The association is urging local officials to stop waiting and start actively seeking the funding needed to complete the project. The initiative began in 2021, when the local council purchased a 104-square-meter plot on Tomás de Mesa Street to expand the old "Escuelitas" facilities.

To avoid relying on a single source of funding, the association is proposing a mixed financing model. They suggest combining European funds (specifically the 2021-2027 ERDF), direct grants from the regional government, agreements with the Cabildo de Tenerife, and programs focused on sustainability, energy efficiency, and accessibility. Residents believe the center is vital for bringing together young people, the elderly, and vulnerable groups, and they want the Arafo City Council to take a more proactive role in negotiating with other government bodies.

Beyond the need for money, the association is calling for greater transparency. They have proposed a monitoring committee, including government representatives and local residents, to ensure the project stays on track. The group’s message is clear: after years of planning and land acquisition, it is time for the council to move past promises and create a concrete, multi-year plan to finally build this essential community space.