Santa Cruz Seeks €2.1M Grant for Benijo Beach Landslide Safety

Santa Cruz Seeks €2.1M Grant for Benijo Beach Landslide Safety

Source: Diario de Avisos

Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council is seeking a 2.1 million euro grant from the Canary Islands Government to fund a project aimed at reducing landslide risk and reopening Benijo beach, which has been closed due to rockfalls.

The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council is seeking a direct grant of 2.1 million euros from the Canary Islands Government's Tourism department. The money would fund a project led by the Public Services department to reduce the risk of landslides at Benijo beach, which is in the Anaga area.

The council's application includes all the necessary paperwork: technical details of the project, a funding plan, official sworn statements, and proof that it meets tax and Social Security requirements.

Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez stressed the importance of the project. "The safety of our residents and visitors comes first," he said. "That's why we've applied for this grant. Benijo beach is a landmark in our city, and this project will greatly reduce the risk of landslides, making it a safer and more sustainable place for everyone."

Carlos Tarife, the Councillor for Public Services, pointed out the project's technical and environmental benefits. He explained, "This work combines protecting the coastline with preserving the natural beauty of the area. We've developed a thorough plan that covers every aspect of safety and sustainability."

The project aims to reopen Benijo beach, which has been closed since last year due to rockfalls. To do this, the City Council has asked the Canary Islands Government for permission to work on this specific coastal area, which is public land with special protection.

If the grant is approved, the project is expected to start in the coming months. This will make the beach safer and help protect this vital natural asset for Santa Cruz.

This news comes alongside another development: year-round lifeguard services will be introduced at Anaga beaches starting in 2026, a detail reported by DIARIO DE AVISOS last month. Gladis de León, the Councillor for Security and Emergencies, confirmed that the City Council is already preparing the new tender document. This document will outline the contract for rescue, surveillance, assistance, buoyage, and sea access services across the municipality's coastal areas.