La Laguna to Install Six New Self-Cleaning Public Toilets

La Laguna City Council has awarded a contract to Proyectos e Instalación de Material Urbano SAU for six new self-cleaning public toilets. These will be placed in the city's historic center, costing 335,069 euros (including tax), with a four-month completion period.

The council first sought bids for this project last June. However, the process was delayed because one of the two companies that bid was disqualified for not meeting technical requirements and filed an appeal. This appeal was later rejected by the Canary Islands' Administrative Court of Public Contracts.

Ángel Chinea, the Councilor for Public Works and Infrastructure, stated that these new toilets address a frequent request from both La Laguna residents, especially older people, and the tourism sector. He explained that the city will now offer modern, accessible, self-cleaning public toilets, improving services for visitors and helping to keep public areas tidy.

The councilor added that they are now working to start the project as quickly as possible, once all the necessary administrative and financial steps are complete.

He detailed that the first steps will involve preparing the sites for the toilets. This includes laying concrete bases, connecting to nearby utilities, and leveling the ground to ensure easy access where needed.

The six toilets will be placed at three locations in the historic center. Each location will have two cabins. All will be mixed-use and accessible for people with disabilities, and one cabin at each site will also be suitable for ostomy users.

The specific locations are: behind the municipal market in Plaza del Cristo, near Plaza del Adelantado, and on a municipal plot on San Antonio Street, close to the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción.

For the San Antonio Street site, the plans include demolishing a poorly maintained boundary wall that often suffers from graffiti and vandalism. This area will then be paved with cobblestones, landscaped, and have bollards installed to mark its boundaries. Shared walls will also be improved. The toilets will primarily accept coin payments, with card payment as an additional option. They can also be set to be free to use.

A report supporting the project states that these self-cleaning toilets are an "efficient, practical, and sustainable solution." They will provide easy access to hygienic facilities in key areas of the historic center, improving the experience and comfort for both tourists and residents.