Mayor Pérez: El Sauzal Achieves Perfect Transparency, Advances Key Projects

Mariano Pérez proudly states that the El Sauzal City Council has once again achieved a perfect score for transparency. This rating, he says, shows they are doing things well and that there's teamwork to keep the town's operations clear and open. He is also pleased with the balance across the neighborhoods, the planning of social housing, and the financial support from other government bodies to bring important projects to life.

-The race for the 2027 elections has already begun. Coalición Canaria (CC) issued a publication in December, looking back at the first two and a half years of the mandate. What objectives have been achieved so far? “During this time, 25 million euros have been invested, and this year we have more than 6.5 million euros available, which is a significant amount for a small municipality like El Sauzal. I believe that so far in this term, we've done a good job, and now we're finishing up projects started two and a half years ago, alongside new construction.”

-When will the new cemetery open? “It is finished, but the solar panels are missing, the contract for which has been awarded, as has the furniture. Once it's ready, we will inaugurate it. It should open in about a month and a half, two months at the very latest, definitely within the first half of this year. Then there is a second phase consisting of building parking lots, and we also have a budget for this, so it needs to be put out to tender and built. The cemetery is an important project, with space for about 200 niches, though the goal is to expand this number. In addition to complying with new regulations, it is a beautifully designed space worth visiting because it has a unique 'El Sauzal' touch. The idea is for it to be a pleasant place, with lots of light, garden areas, accessible bathrooms, an adjoining room, and an outdoor plaza. There are practically no stairs; it is a two-level space. It might even become a model for other towns, just like our auditorium did.”

-And the tourism office? “It is a project by the Cabildo de Tenerife that is almost 80% finished. I hope it will also be fully completed in this first half of the year.”

-Are you optimistic about the Amphitheater of the Servant of God? “The entire project, which also includes the rerouting of the ravine, is included in this year's Cabildo budget. The most complex part is the ravine work, but if not this year, I believe it could be ready next year. It is an important work, because if 'Siervita' is eventually beatified, we want it to become a place of great peace, where people can visit, reflect, and relax.”

-Have any measures been taken to alleviate the shortage of parking in the town center? “We have rented a plot about 200 meters from the town center and are working with Gesplan to manage a ravine area which could provide about 200 parking spaces, right in front of the municipal market. With the opening of the new medical clinic in the town center, we have also added more parking spaces. Additionally, in the commercial area, we have set a two-hour time limit. This ensures spaces are available for shoppers who need to run errands without worrying about their car. This is crucial for supporting local businesses.”

-Last year you announced a new line of subsidies to help local freelancers and businesses in the face of rising fees and taxes. Have you had to postpone other actions and projects to meet this commitment? “We did it because we know how difficult things are for freelancers and businesses in general. Some establishments had to close due to lack of staff, and others are likely to follow suit due to the rising taxes and fees they face this year, which is why we must help them cover their costs. After meeting with 80% of the sector, I believe they felt more reassured because my commitment is to provide this aid using the 2025 budget surplus, which will be between 240,000 and 280,000 euros. The amounts will range from 350 to 3,000 euros per applicant, depending on the size of the premises and the entrepreneur's commitment. I'm clear that if I have to pave three fewer streets to support culture, commerce, sports, and the community in general, I will do it.”

-Do you think people understand that some streets might not be paved immediately, even if they're in poor condition, in order to help certain sectors? “Yes, because that shows what the council prioritizes. If a street isn't paved today, it will be done in six months, although in our case, maintenance is frequent because we believe it's not enough to just build things; you have to maintain them. We're diligent about that. And for that, it's important to be out in the community. I learned that from Paulino Rivero, which is why I go out once a week to inspect the entire town for details—a fallen post, a broken bin lid, a burnt-out streetlamp—we have to look after our town.”

-Do you still feel alone in your fight for the La Garañona viewpoint? “Right now, I am more optimistic because a Canary Islands Government tourism company spoke with the City Council and considers the project viable. I hope it will finally go ahead. It's another 'El Sauzal' project, a kind of floating platform, like an airplane wing, where one feels like you're floating in the air, with only the sea in view. If it becomes a reality, it will be one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the North of Tenerife, but we need funding.”

-What is the project you are most proud of during this term? “Without a doubt, the new health center in the town center, because the improved services have greatly benefited residents. This month marks exactly one year since we inaugurated it, and it used to offer only four services, but now it includes physiotherapy, a room for Sintrom blood thinner treatments, a blood test area, and double the number of doctors and healthcare professionals. I believe healthcare in El Sauzal has improved by 300%.”

-Has it saved you a headache that a desalination plant in Rojas has been ruled out? “There were rumors and discussions about a desalination plant in the area, but nothing was ever officially communicated to me. Of course, if I had been officially informed, it would have saved me a lot of worry.”

-Would you have opposed it? “Rojas is a protected natural area, and we would have logically opposed its construction in the municipality.”

-In the previous term, an attempt was made to boost the Acentejo Coast Plan, but in the end, it is stalled. Is it necessary to approve this document? “It feels like we have been working on this plan for 20 years, and the truth is, it hasn't made much progress. When the responsibilities were transferred from the Government of the Canary Islands to the Cabildo, it was almost approved, but the change stalled it, and they had to start again, which was very difficult. Currently, it is open for public review, so the first step has already been taken. I hope that after the submission of objections, we won't have to wait another 20 years and that it will progress in the next term, as it's proving very challenging in this one.”

-Next year, coinciding with the end of the term, you will complete 20 years leading the City Council. Would you like to continue? “This is like relationships; some days are great, others less so (he laughs). It's a matter of enthusiasm and desire, not age. And although I am 65 years old and can already retire, right now I am very enthusiastic and would like to finish some projects, but the truth is that this job never truly ends; there are always new projects. It will be between June and July when I speak with my colleagues and also discuss it with my family because the party needs to know its lead candidates by October. My wife tells me to continue, and my children tell me to try something new, but I'm not focused on that right now; I'm thinking about what needs to be done on Monday.”