The acquisition of this building, costing 2.2 million euros, adds to a plan that now totals over 400 protected homes available for social rental to housing applicants on the island. The property includes 16 apartments of 60 square meters, two bedrooms, 16 laundry rooms, and 12 garage spaces.
The Minister of the Presidency of the Government of the Canary Islands, Nieves Lady Barreto, detailed that projects are in various stages: some under construction in El Paso, Los Llanos, and Tazacorte; others in the bidding or award phase, such as an additional 120 homes in Los Llanos; and others in the basic project phase, like 100 in Tazacorte. There are also projects in Breña Baja, Breña Alta, Tijarafe, and Villa de Mazo.
Barreto highlighted the investment of 78.5 million euros on the island for housing, calling it a "structural measure" to address the "special incidence" in La Palma. She noted that construction "is never easy" and that "problems and obstacles" have been overcome.
The president of the Cabildo of La Palma, Sergio Rodríguez, expressed his "joy" in presenting these projects and recalled that, with transferred funds, the Cabildo has already acquired three buildings totaling 96 homes, some to be completed this year. He emphasized that housing is the island's "primary need" and that 24 million from the Government of the Canary Islands and 7 million from Fecai are being invested, with the cooperation of local councils.
Eloy Martín, from the El Paso City Council, assured support for all projects aimed at resolving the housing shortage and the provision of more public land.
This is the third building under construction acquired by the Cabildo with government funding for protected housing, bringing the total to 96 homes. A building in Los Llanos, with 53 units, will be prioritized for volcano-affected individuals housed in container or wooden homes.
Minister Nieves Lady Barreto reported that individuals still housed in container and wooden homes have received compensation for their lost properties and have been given a reasonable timeframe to vacate as they secure alternative housing.
