Santa Cruz Residents Demand Action Over Neglected Government-Owned Plot

The management of government-owned land in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is back in the spotlight following complaints about a neglected urban plot. Residents living near Calle Prolongación de Albéniz in the Los Gladiolos neighborhood have filed a formal complaint with the Canary Islands’ Directorate General of Public Health, demanding urgent action on a site that has been abandoned for decades.

Located between the Poeta Viana and Los Gladiolos schools, the plot is in a critical state. According to the complaint filed on September 30, the area is overgrown and filled with trash, leading to rodent infestations and foul odors that worsen in the heat. Beyond these health concerns, neighbors report serious safety issues, including attempted fires, drug use, and the dismantling of stolen goods.

This situation highlights the administrative gridlock that often prevents urban improvements. While residents point to 40 years of inaction—noting that the only measures taken have been ineffective perimeter fencing—the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council says it cannot act. Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez has stated that the city lacks the legal authority to intervene on land it does not own, calling on the regional government to take responsibility for cleaning and securing the site, as well as other similar plots in the capital like the one in Cabo Llanos.

Frustrated by the lack of progress, residents have warned that if authorities continue to ignore the issue, they will submit video evidence of police activity at the site to the courts. They are calling for a comprehensive solution that includes deep cleaning, clearing the vegetation, and implementing a security plan to ensure the safety of the students and residents who live and study nearby.