El Tanque Nursing Home Expansion Set to Nearly Double Capacity

The renovation and expansion of the El Tanque nursing home is finally moving forward, marking a major milestone for social and healthcare services in the Tenerife municipality. After a five-year administrative process, the project will nearly double the center's capacity, increasing from 22 to 42 beds—a vital step to support the growing elderly population in the region’s rural areas.

The project, awarded to a joint venture, has a budget of nearly two million euros, with 400,000 euros specifically set aside for new equipment and furnishings. Construction is expected to take 14 months and will include adding a second floor with 12 new rooms and a dining area, alongside a full renovation of existing bathrooms and common spaces near the Santísimo Cristo square.

Beyond increasing capacity, the project addresses several logistical issues. The basement has been redesigned to allow for private access, meaning residents can be transported safely without using public roads. The design also includes new staff areas and large windows that connect the building to the nearby square, helping residents feel more connected to the community and reducing the sense of isolation often found in care facilities.

Mayor Esther Morales acknowledged the project's long timeline, explaining that delays were caused by the need to restart the bidding process after the initial tender received no interest. Such challenges are common in smaller towns, where rising construction costs and a lack of bidders often stall major infrastructure projects. With the site handover expected in the coming weeks, the City Council hopes to resolve a project that has been a frequent topic of local political debate for years.