Tacoronte Water Plan Ignored Amid Desalination Plant Controversy
Tacoronte's Municipal Water Plan, unanimously approved in June 2024 to address the island's water emergency, remains unimplemented, drawing criticism from Somos Tacoronte amid the local government's push for an unpopular desalination plant.
The Municipal Water Plan, which was unanimously approved in June 2024, has not yet been put into action. Proposed by Somos Tacoronte and supported by all political groups, the plan outlines steps to tackle the island's water emergency. These steps include: thoroughly studying current water systems, planning long-term investments to update the water supply network, creating new irrigation systems, encouraging rainwater harvesting, updating water management rules, and making the water supply more efficient and sustainable.
However, none of these commitments have been acted upon by the local government. This is despite the plan's approval showing that everyone agreed urgent action was needed. This inaction also seems to contradict the government's push for a desalination plant in Mesa del Mar, a project they haven't discussed in public meetings, even when asked.
Councilors Carlos Medina and Sandra Ramos from Somos Tacoronte find it "especially concerning" that while the water plan is ignored, the ruling coalition (PSOE-CC-PP) is suddenly proposing a desalination plant for Mesa del Mar. This project is unpopular, and local residents are demanding more information about it.
Carlos Medina, spokesperson for Somos Tacoronte, stated, "It doesn't make sense to approve a comprehensive plan to improve the water network and then leave it untouched, only to later distance oneself from the consequences of not having planned or defended Tacoronte's needs."
The approved plan aimed to make the town less reliant on outside water systems. By not carrying out this plan, the town council is left in a weak position when other authorities make decisions, as the City Council hasn't taken a strong stand.
Somos Tacoronte is calling on the government to follow through on the agreements to improve the town's water management. They want the approved measures to be put into action to create a more sustainable and efficient town for its residents.
The group asked for a special meeting just to discuss the water situation in Tacoronte, but the local government refused. Instead, the topic was added to the agenda for the meeting where the City Council's 2026 budget will be approved. This decision frustrates Somos Tacoronte, who stress the importance of "clear explanations and a serious, open discussion about water."