Santa Cruz Residents Demand Action Over Persistent Rodent Infestations in Public Parks
Residents of Santa Cruz de Tenerife are calling for urgent municipal action after a surge in rodent sightings in public playgrounds, challenging the local government's stance that such incidents remain isolated.
Public health management in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is back in the spotlight following a recent complaint on social media, as reported by Diario de Avisos. Residents of the La Gallega neighborhood are raising concerns about a growing number of rodents in public areas, particularly in children’s playgrounds, and are calling on the City Council to take immediate action.
This is not an isolated incident; similar reports have surfaced across the city in recent months. These sightings come despite a municipal pest control campaign carried out last September by the Public Services department, led by Carlos Tarife, which targeted areas including El Sobradillo, Ofra, and La Gallega. At the time, officials attributed the rodent sightings to seasonal changes and poor waste management, denying that there was a widespread infestation.
The local government is already familiar with the issue, having previously taken emergency measures in high-profile locations like the Plaza del Príncipe, Valleseco, and García Sanabria Park. In the Plaza del Príncipe, the City Council even fenced off parts of the area to conduct intensive pest control. While Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez has maintained that these outbreaks are isolated, the ongoing stream of complaints on social media suggests a disconnect between the city’s official stance and the reality experienced by residents.
Although there is no official count of the rodent population in La Gallega, the residents' concerns highlight a clear need for better monitoring of public hygiene. As the city’s cleaning and pest control protocols face continued scrutiny, the effectiveness of these preventive measures remains vital to ensuring the safety of parks and communal spaces for everyone.