News from Tenerife #15 appears weekly as a concise summary of events from the past week on your favorite website. Each issue of News from Tenerife synthesizes key happenings and developments that may not warrant a full article but are noteworthy.
Canary Islands to Develop Construction Materials from Waste
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The Deputy Secretary for Infrastructure of the Canary Islands Government has tasked the public company Gestión y Planeamiento Territorial y Medioambiental, S.A. (Gesplan) with producing samples and conducting tests on cement-based products incorporating alternative materials derived from recycled waste. This initiative will take place at the Official Laboratory of Tenerife. With a budget of €323,210.24 and a 24-month execution period, the goal is to develop new construction materials using both urban waste and debris from demolished buildings.
Specialized personnel will create samples of construction materials such as concrete, mortar, and masonry components. These will adhere to technical specifications, detailing the proportions of recycled materials and production methods, alongside rigorous testing. A supervising technician will oversee and coordinate the manufacturing and testing processes, ensuring material availability, equipment checks, and digital record-keeping of results. Continuous staff training will also be provided to ensure autonomy in these operations.
This project allows the Canary Islands government to propose advancements in the circular economy to the construction sector. High-quality cement-based products, including concrete and masonry, with a significant proportion of recycled components, are central to this endeavor. It aligns with Royal Decree 105/2008, which regulates the production and management of construction and demolition waste.
Plans to Install Radar Systems to Detect Ocean Pollution
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President Rosa Dávila expressed her interest in the innovative projects developed by the center, which operates under the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC). These initiatives include pollution detection, volcanic crisis responses, and cultivating seagrass in controlled environments to restore marine grasslands. The center is considered one of the world’s leading institutions in oceanic scientific research. “We are very interested in specific projects that we aim to realize,” said Dávila.
One of these projects involves the installation of eleven radar systems to provide reliable data on the behavior of potential discharges. The Canary waters are heavily trafficked by large vessels, and the area is protected due to its marine ecosystem. Another initiative focuses on a warning system for coastal areas popular with swimmers. This system would collect water quality data at discharge points. Using three buoys that continuously collect samples, the chemical composition of the water can be monitored, and alerts can be issued in case of turbidity or pollution.
Shocking Discovery by Guardia Civil in Tenerife Supermarket
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The Environmental Protection Unit (SEPRONA) of Playa de Las Américas, in collaboration with the Canary Islands Health Service, seized 25 tons of food unfit for human consumption that were being sold in a supermarket located in the Las Chafiras industrial area in Tenerife. In a statement, the Guardia Civil announced that the supermarket has since been closed, and the owner has been charged with a public health offense. Additionally, an administrative sanction file has been opened due to multiple detected irregularities.
The inspection began after officers discovered several potential violations that posed a serious risk to consumer health. As a result, the Canary Islands Health Service was called in to conduct a thorough inspection of the supermarket, which lasted more than five hours. During the inspection, various food products were found that did not meet regulatory standards, including meat, canned goods, processed products, and frozen fish. These items were stored on shelves, in freezers, and in refrigerated rooms, ready to be sold to customers. Many of these products lacked proper labeling, and their origin was unknown.
Of particular concern was the discovery of red tuna, offered in two-to-three-kilogram portions, packaged by the supermarket itself but without any labeling. Additionally, large unlabelled pieces of tuna were found in a refrigerated room. The supermarket owner was unable to provide documentation proving the legal origin of these products.
The seized products were immediately removed from sale and will be destroyed by an authorized waste management company.
Renovation of Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias in Candelaria Underway
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The renovation project for the Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias and its immediate surroundings in Candelaria officially commenced on December 27, 2024. This long-anticipated project, which has been in planning for two decades, was updated by architect Eustaquio Martínez and is now becoming a reality. The project will be executed in three phases, with an estimated cost of €16.2 million, financed by the Cabildo de Tenerife, and an expected completion timeline of 36 months.
In the first three weeks, diseased trees and palm trees in the park near the Fountain of the Pilgrims were removed as they could not be relocated. The site is now being prepared for construction. Additionally, work is being undertaken at the Achbinico cave to install a new seawall for protection. Six young dragon trees from the Plaza de Los Artesanos, located opposite the old town hall, will be replanted in the Puntalarga Park. However, a damaged dragon tree in the side gardens of the Plaza de la Patrona cannot be transplanted.
Furthermore, an abandoned building in the Plaza de Los Artesanos, located between the plaza and the Tapia ravine, is slated for demolition. However, this work depends on the removal of asbestos by a specialized company. Despite the ongoing renovations, the municipality of Candelaria has assured that the Patrona festivities on February 2 will proceed as planned. Access to the basilica and the plaza will remain unaffected.
The project encompasses three phases: San Blas Promenade: 3,431 m², Plaza de la Patrona: 13,640 m² and Plaza de Los Artesanos: 2,354 m². The renovations include upgrades to the area’s water and sewage systems. A sloped building will be constructed in the Plaza de la Patrona, housing a sacred museum, a multifunctional hall, and a tourist office, with a total built area of 1,073.31 m².
The large plaza will be repaved, as will the San Blas Promenade and the Los Camellos cave. Additionally, Calle Antón Guanche will become a pedestrianized, linear open space at its upper end. However, the initially planned underground parking from the 2010 project has been removed.
Spain’s Second Safest City Is in Tenerife
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A recent report by the Observatorio Securitas Direct, based on data from the Crime Balance of the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, identifies a city in Tenerife as the second safest in Spain. The analysis evaluates three key factors: burglaries, fires, and road safety. The city stands out for its low crime rates and favorable urban environment. The city in question is San Cristóbal de La Laguna, located in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It achieved high scores thanks to factors such as good street lighting, urban design that promotes social interaction, clear signage, abundant public spaces, and commercial activity on the ground floors of buildings.
The report names Albacete as the safest city in Spain, with the lowest risk of burglaries and a well-managed risk of fires and traffic accidents. Alongside La Laguna, Palencia, Ourense, and Salamanca complete the top five. Notably, the autonomous region of Castilla y León is represented by two cities on the list. On the other hand, Barcelona is identified as the least safe city, with high crime rates, especially in neighborhoods like El Prat. Torrevieja and Marbella follow as the least safe cities, with an increase in crimes, particularly in areas with second homes.
The report highlights several key factors that contribute to a city’s safety. A well-lit environment deters criminal activities. Public spaces that encourage communal use reduce the likelihood of crime. Clear signage facilitates access to essential services and supports emergency responses, while the constant presence of people in commercial areas enhances security.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna, with its thoughtful urban design and active community, serves as an example of how urban policies can contribute to a safe living environment.
These updates reflect the diversity of challenges, developments, and opportunities shaping life on Tenerife. News from Tenerife continues to bring you the most relevant stories from the island.
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News from Tenerife #15 ©
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