Tenerife is drowning in garbage: Socialists are sounding the alarm about the inaction of the authorities

The Socialists in Tenerife are raising the alarm, saying that the island has serious problems with waste disposal. They claim that the authorities are doing nothing, there is no planning, and the government (Canarian Coalition and Popular Party) has simply abandoned the matter.

Councilor Javier Rodríguez Medina warns that poor management is jeopardizing the safety and normal operation of the Tenerife Environmental Complex. This, by the way, is a key site for waste disposal on the island.

He says that during the current government's tenure, there have already been two fires and one fatality at the complex. In his opinion, the waste recycling situation is the worst it has been in the last 40 years. The complex, which should be exemplary, is turning into a symbol of the island authorities' failure.

Rodríguez Medina also emphasizes that there is complete chaos in management: many vacancies are not filled, and cases are delayed. For example, the three recycling collection points that have been talked about so much are still not operational. Contracts have been terminated, and construction has not even started.

The Socialists recall that the last time they were in power, they planned to build eight recycling collection points. Funds were even allocated from the European Union to increase their number on the island from eight to sixteen. But, as we can see, none of them have been opened, and the program has completely stalled.

Of these eight projects, three are simply a disaster. Rodríguez says that in Arico, work was supposed to start in 2024, but the contractor refused because nothing was being done. In Tegueste, the tender was declared invalid, and the authorities did not even try to reinstate it. And in Los Rodeos (La Laguna), the contract for 723,000 euros was terminated due to the contractor's refusal, and now it has been put out to tender again, but for 1.1 million. No one explains why it has become so expensive.

He believes that this is a complete failure, even though the projects are ready and there is money from Europe. He criticizes that all the current government does is make loud statements that lead to nothing.

The Socialists are also unhappy that the authorities do not support the recycling industry, even though there is land on the complex designated for this purpose. They say that there have been no attempts to attract companies that could create green jobs and turn waste into new resources. They claim that the authorities are hindering the development of an industry that is important for the sustainable development of the island.

As an example of government inaction, Rodríguez mentioned the Montaña Birmagen project, which was loudly announced in September 2023. But, according to him, two years later, the project has neither land nor a construction plan.