San Andrés Residents Demand Access to Historic 'Casa del Caminero' for Social Center Project

The future of the "Casa del Caminero" (Roadman’s House) in San Andrés has sparked a fresh political debate. Located at the gateway to the Anaga Biosphere Reserve, the historic property has sat empty for years, prompting local residents to demand action to end its current state of abandonment.

A coalition led by the NGO Abrigos y Sonrisas has gained widespread support from the community. A diverse group of organizations—including the Laurisilva Women's Association, the San Andrés Seniors' Association, the Amigos del Arte band, and numerous neighborhood groups from across the region—are calling for the building to be transformed into a social center. Their primary goal is to provide support for elderly residents who face loneliness and isolation in these remote hamlets.

The group is not asking for large government investments from the Tenerife Island Council (Cabildo). Instead, they propose a public-social partnership where volunteers would handle the renovation work. The main obstacle, however, is that they are currently denied access to the building. The NGO is formally requesting a technical inspection to assess the structure’s safety, which they believe is a necessary first step before deciding if the project is feasible.

Dating back to the 18th century, these houses were once vital for maintaining communication routes. Today, the San Andrés property is a heritage site that residents argue is deteriorating due to administrative neglect. While the Cabildo maintains that all technical regulations must be followed, the neighborhood coalition warns that if the institution continues to block an assessment of the building, they may be forced to escalate their protests. For now, their demand is simple: transparency and access to determine whether the building can be saved.