Las Cuevas Residents Demand Safe Walkways Amidst Decades of Neglect and Illegal Racing

"I can't even take my daughter for a walk because it's not safe," says a resident of Las Cuevas, in La Orotava. This isn't just a minor issue; it's something they've "lived with their whole lives." The Humboldt neighborhood group is calling for a safe path for people to walk between their homes and the town center. Because it's unsafe and difficult to get to their homes and essential services, residents started writing individual letters to highlight the problem. However, it wasn't until four years ago that they officially banded together to demand improvements.

One resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, explained that the group's early days were tough. "We asked to meet with the town hall, but they kept delaying, saying it was impossible or too complicated," they said. But through public support and community action, the group has gained attention and backing.

In the past four years, small steps have been taken, like adding streetlights and new pedestrian crossings, but residents feel these are "not enough." The affected resident is pushing for a complete plan to fix the area's fundamental issues, stating, "We don't want quick fixes."

On March 19, 2024, they met with the mayor, who presented a plan for a future walkway connecting El Quiquirá and La Charca. This plan involved rerouting the access to El Quiquirá behind a local warehouse and building a sidewalk in front of a house whose land, they noted, had already been acquired and paid for. The plan also included a new sidewalk in front of La Charca and a parking area next to Bodeguita La Charca. Residents believe these measures were proposed only after their persistent public appeals and after the issue was shared widely on social media and in the news.

Part of the safety concerns is also due to illegal street racing, a frequent problem in the area. Despite neighborhood complaints leading to the installation of speed bumps, the resident feels these measures are "still not enough." "In front of the Humboldt and El Drago developments, there are no sidewalks or pedestrian crossings; to catch the bus, you have to take a risk," they added.

On June 19, representatives from the group met with Narciso Pérez, the Councilor for Territorial Planning and Development. He assured them that the project had a study on its viability and that it "would move forward." However, the resident points out that after the speed bumps were installed, the Town Hall "acted as if the problem was solved" and didn't proceed with other actions.

"It was frustrating. We kept posting complaints on Instagram and putting up posters. Because of that, we managed to get the councilor to agree to meet with residents again," they explained. In that meeting, attended by about 30 people, Pérez promised to advance the project and admitted that the parking lot in front of La Charca would be built, though the resident claims "it's all been talk." The councilor mentioned the project might be revealed in September, and a meeting was scheduled for October. However, after a video explaining the situation was posted on social media, the meeting was moved to January because "the project was being developed."

The residents are determined to continue their protests until the project is completed. "Some people who have spoken to the media have received calls from councilors who seem to have taken it personally, but all we want is for a real problem affecting the entire neighborhood to be addressed," they concluded.