The municipality of La Orotava has allocated more than 500,000 euros during the current term to improve accessibility and inclusion, as reported by the City Council through its Municipal Services and Accessibility department. Interventions have focused on squares, sidewalks, schools, health centers, and streets with architectural barriers, in both the urban center and the various neighborhoods.
Mayor Francisco Linares and Councilor Yurena Luis recently presented the completed works, emphasizing their importance for all citizens. Linares apologized for the historical shortcomings in this area and highlighted the current government's objective to achieve universal accessibility progressively, adapting to the demands of residents, community groups, and technical reports.
Due to La Orotava's extensive area and challenging topography with significant slopes, accessibility presents considerable challenges that will require sustained effort from future administrations. The mayor underscored the creation of a dedicated accessibility department as a testament to the institutional commitment.
Yurena Luis detailed that the works have prioritized public spaces frequented by citizens, such as schools, medical centers, and squares, in addition to intervening in streets used by residents and tourists to make the town more walkable. Demands from various neighborhoods have been addressed, improving quality of life by removing architectural barriers, widening roads, adapting pavements, creating ramps, and improving pedestrian crossings, among other actions.
The councilor emphasized that these initiatives are the result of collaborative work with municipal technicians, active listening to users and associations, and the analysis of real needs, prioritizing interventions that benefit the largest number of people. She highlighted that the investment of over half a million euros in more than a hundred actions has a tangible impact on people's lives.
Despite the progress, the City Council will continue working on an action plan throughout the locality, addressing proposals from residents and disability associations to achieve a fully accessible and inclusive municipality. It was also recalled that accessibility is a shared responsibility, urging citizens to respect reserved spaces and adapted infrastructure.
