El Fraile besieged by problems: from water scarcity to neglect and danger

In El Fraile, in the Arona area, where more than 10,000 people live, local residents are very dissatisfied with the situation. In recent months, they have been plagued by water problems: it disappears, then flows in a weak stream, and there are constant breakdowns. But that's not all! For years, people have been complaining about poor cleaning, security problems, neglected infrastructure, a lack of recreational areas, and inconvenient transport. And all to no avail.

Recently, after many months of restrictions, the water supply was finally restored. The first section of the new pipe was laid (800 meters out of the planned 2,200), and the water began to flow better. But then new problems started: pipes began to burst and leak on different streets. "In some areas on the outskirts, there is almost no water again," says Sandra Tormo, a representative of the local residents' association.

Last weekend, the water disappeared again. "It's just awful! We never know if there will be water when we flush the toilet," she complains. Therefore, the association decided to hold protests every Friday until the problem is solved or the second section of the water pipeline is built.

There are many problems in the area, and some of them have been going on for years. For example, the local polyclinic has long been a symbol of neglect. For more than two years, the air conditioning did not work there, and in the heat, the temperature rose above 35 degrees. And there were also problems with water, which made it impossible to use the toilet normally. Although the air conditioner was eventually repaired, locals believe that this story shows how the authorities do not respond to the basic needs of the people.

The municipality of Arona says that the Canary Health Service, not the city authorities, is responsible for the condition of medical centers.

People also feel less and less safe. There are not enough police officers on the streets, and in some areas, no one is monitoring order. Residents are particularly concerned about Fuerteventura Street, where various incidents often occur. They have been promising to install CCTV cameras there for a long time, but the matter has not moved forward, although such cameras are already working in other areas of the city, such as Las Veronicas.

Cleaning is another long-standing problem. "After the holidays, the streets are littered with cans and garbage for weeks," the association complains. And recently, about twenty garbage cans have been removed, so even more garbage is accumulating. "We already had few of them, and now there are even fewer," Tormo laments.

Local residents, who organize cleaning, led by Juan Jose Santana, remind that on April 12 they held a cleaning day, in which 70 people took part. They cleaned the entire area, but say that this is not enough: "It is necessary to maintain cleanliness constantly."

"We, the residents, cannot do everything ourselves. People need to be more aware. We need posters that would call not to litter. If the city authorities do not place them, we will do it ourselves," he assures.

Neglected gardens, uncut grass, and dry trees are a common sight. And Los Enojados beach, the closest to the area, has been littered with garbage for months, with some shacks and building materials appearing there. There is also a lack of places for children to play.

"The playgrounds are overcrowded. In the square near the church, they want to ban children from playing, and the playground near the Villa Isabel stadium has become paid," Tormo explains. "If they want to play football, they have to pay. There are no free places."

Tormo says that she is concerned that young people are being forgotten altogether. "This is a very important issue. We need to offer them places where they can spend time, various clubs, libraries. Places where they can express themselves," she emphasizes.

High and narrow sidewalks make it difficult for the elderly and people with disabilities to move around. And near the school, where more than 800 students study, there is chaos in the morning and afternoon.

"There are no police officers to regulate traffic, there are traffic jams and there is a risk that someone will be hit," the association complains.

Residents of El Fraile demand not only the solution of technical problems, but also attention to their needs. "We pay taxes, but there are not enough services. We are not asking for any special privileges, we just want to be paid attention to," Tormo sums up.

People feel abandoned: "When other areas are cleaned, they write about it and show photos. But we are as if we do not exist."

Not far from El Fraile, the illegal settlement of Lomo Negro, built without any plan, has become a source of tension. "They work there from morning to night, without days off. Constant noise and illegal construction," residents complain.

In addition, they fear that Lomo Negro is illegally taking water from El Fraile, which could exacerbate its shortage. "If they steal water from our pipes, it directly affects us," Tormo emphasizes.

Residents fear that when the two areas are connected, basic services will be even more overloaded. "We have neither the capacity nor the space," they add.