Santa Cruz de Tenerife argues over abandoned plots.
In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the opposition accuses the city government of insufficient control over neglected plots, against the backdrop of the closure of 32 such properties in the last two years.
In the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 32 abandoned plots have been closed in the last two years. A total of 190 cases were opened due to the poor condition of many areas, both municipal and private. In 2023, 16 plots were put in order, in 2024 – 15, and in 2025 – only one.
This was announced by City Councilor Zaida González at a meeting last Friday. It was a response to accusations from the PSOE party, which accused the city authorities of not monitoring the order in most areas (namely 90%). Also, according to PSOE, the city council only reacts when residents complain about unsanitary conditions and danger, as recently happened with an abandoned plot on Monteverde Street.
PSOE Deputy Matilde Zambudio proposed creating a plan for inspections and control of all plots, as well as a city register of such territories (both municipal and private). She insisted that the city authorities clean up and fence off their plots, as this problem exists in many areas of the city. Her proposal was rejected.
Zambudio also added that it is necessary to ensure security in these areas and increase the number of police officers, as garbage is often dumped there or drugs are sold.
González replied that Zambudio mixed two different issues in one proposal. She assured that the city council is working to ensure that the owners of the plots put them in order. This takes time and certain procedures. If the owners do not react, the city council intervenes.
González also emphasized that a big problem is the residents themselves, who throw garbage on these plots. Therefore, she called on owners to maintain cleanliness and fence off their territories. Heritage Deputy Javier Rivero added that a study is currently underway to determine which municipal plots are the most dangerous, and they will be fenced off as a priority. There are about 15 such plots. He also noted that most cases are opened by the city council, distinguishing between municipal and private territories. For example, a plot was cleaned on Monteverde Street, but garbage came from a neighboring private territory, which was also cleaned later.
Zambudio accused the city authorities of inaction and criticized González, stating that she does not know the laws. In response, González asked to remove these accusations from the minutes.