Tacoronte Protests Mount Over Desalination Plant
Tacoronte residents are protesting the construction of a new desalination plant in Mesa del Mar, demanding its immediate halt despite a council pause for viability reports, citing environmental concerns and existing water waste.
People in Tacoronte are tired of waiting and have started protesting to stop a new desalination plant from being built in Mesa del Mar. Construction has begun, but the city council has paused it. They say they need to get all the required reports to prove the project is workable. The council also mentioned they would then compare it to other effective solutions, though they didn't say what those alternatives might be.
However, residents from the coastal area of El Pris and other neighborhoods worry the project will restart soon. Because of this, they've formed the "Platform for the Coast of Tacoronte." This group includes local communities, fishing associations, and powerboating schools. They've begun taking action, making it clear that "the people of Tacoronte are from the countryside and cannot be fooled."
The group points out that 360 million cubic meters of water are wasted every year, flowing into the sea because the Island Council doesn't channel it or store it in reservoirs.
They've also launched an online petition on change.org, which had around 170 signatures yesterday. Through this petition, they are urgently asking authorities to step in and stop the project immediately. The petition states, "We urge Costas and those responsible for the project to appreciate and preserve this valuable environment, evaluating less destructive alternatives to ensure the sustainable development of the region."
Furthermore, the group has called for a protest with pots and whistles in the Plaza del Cristo on Monday at 9:00 AM, even though they initially faced problems getting permission for it.
This protest will happen half an hour before a special council meeting. This meeting was requested by the five opposition parties (Nueva Canarias, Somos Tacoronte, Sí se puede, Vox, and Ciudadanos). During the session, councilors Tarsis Morales (Urban Planning and Coasts) and Suso Machado (Water and Sanitation) will explain the reports and steps taken for the project in this area. Councilor Machado will also discuss decisions he made as a member of Teideagua.