Santa Cruz Residents Decry Trash Buildup as City Council Orders Inspection

Public services in Santa Cruz de Tenerife are under scrutiny again following complaints from residents in the Salamanca-Uruguay district. Locals report that a lack of regular street cleaning over the past month has led to a buildup of trash, raising serious concerns about hygiene in the area.

According to the La Arboleda neighborhood association, the issue began when the regular street cleaner for the district went on medical leave. Residents argue that the waste management company, Valoriza, has failed to provide adequate cover, leading to overflowing bins and litter piling up on sidewalks and around trees—particularly near Plaza de Fátima and along Obispo Pérez Cáceres, Diego Crosa, and Gil Roldán streets.

Carlos Tarife, the Councilor for Public Services, denies that the area is being neglected. He stated that the company has increased working hours to compensate for the staff shortage. He attributed the recent accumulation of waste to a service pause during the holiday period last Sunday and Monday. While Tarife noted he had not received any formal complaints prior to this, he has ordered an urgent inspection of the neighborhood to assess the situation.

Beyond the trash collection issues, residents have long been concerned about the area surrounding the Zurita bridge. They report that informal settlements and the accumulation of personal belongings near the tram ramps have created a public health and safety risk that goes beyond simple street cleaning.

The situation in Salamanca-Uruguay highlights the challenges local authorities face in maintaining consistent services when staff shortages occur, as well as the difficulties in managing public spaces. While residents are calling for more trash bins and more frequent cleaning to prevent pest problems, the City Council maintains that the service is being managed, promising immediate oversight to determine if current measures are enough to keep the district clean.