Mayor Apologises as Project is Axed
There will be no desalination plant at Mesa del Mar. The mayor of Tacoronte, Sandra Izquierdo, delivered this message to a group of residents who gathered in the Plaza del Cristo to express their anger over the imposition of the project. She publicly apologised to them for the mistakes made in managing the scheme, «as we understood it was the only viable option to guarantee the water supply for the municipality,» according to the local government.
Search for New Solutions Begins
The decision to reject the desalination plant and begin evaluating more viable alternatives, agreed upon with citizens, was taken after listening to residents from Mesa del Mar, El Pris and other parts of the municipality. Several experts on the subject were also consulted, including the renowned engineer Carlos Soler.
Regarding the work already carried out in Mesa del Mar by the mixed company Teidagua, Izquierdo confirmed it will not continue. The lorry and all material placed near the natural swimming pool «will be removed shortly, thereby restoring normality to this entire space on our coast.»
Council Pledges Transparency on Water Supply
With these statements, the Tacoronte government aims to clear up any possible doubt about installing a desalination plant in the municipality. It has made itself available to residents and community groups to agree, «in a transparent manner, on as many meetings and actions as are necessary to guarantee the city’s water supply,» the council explained in a statement.
Emergency Measure Sparks Local Opposition
The Cabildo (Island Council) proposed the construction of the Mesa del Mar desalination plant under the framework of a declared water emergency. The purpose was to guarantee the supply to the local population, as the authorities have stated on repeated occasions. The Town Hall’s rejection of its construction was addressed in a plenary session yesterday.
New Platform Formed to Protect the Coast
With the goal of ensuring this project is not executed, the ‘Platform for the Coast of Tacoronte’ has been born. This collective brings together residents, communities, sports centres and fishermen’s guilds, covering both the locality of El Pris and others in the surrounding area. They are aware the works are halted but are suspicious they may resume.
«Every corner of this enclave is a living testimony to the original beauty and biodiversity that the Canary Islands have to offer. However, this natural jewel is threatened by the imminent construction of a desalination plant, a project that could irreversibly alter this pristine ecosystem.» This is the call to sign a petition on change.org against the plant’s construction. Simultaneously, they urge «the Coastal Authority 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.»
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