The Tenerife Cabildo has approved the creation of a new punto limpio (waste recycling centre) to be located in Las Chafiras, in the south of the island, strengthening the island’s network of public recycling facilities.
This new centre will become the tenth of its kind operating in Tenerife.
Speaking during this morning’s (Wednesday) extraordinary plenary session, the President of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, confirmed that the initiative aims to expand the existing network, which in 2024 collected 62,600 tonnes of waste, an increase of 13% compared to the previous year. Dávila also highlighted that more than 362,000 users on the island have made use of these recycling centres.
Modernising Municipal Services
In the same session, the Council approved the Municipal Modernisation Plan with an investment of €2.2 million. The programme will benefit all 31 municipalities on the island and is designed to streamline local administration, making it more efficient, secure, and accessible to citizens.
According to Dávila, the plan encompasses 24 digital projects that will reduce the need for in-person visits to municipal offices by enabling more administrative procedures to be completed online. The initiative also aims to eliminate redundant processes, improve digital connectivity in less technologically equipped municipalities, and bolster cybersecurity. It will involve training municipal staff and establishing digital competency centres.
Promoting Citizen Participation
Vice President Lope Afonso announced that the Cabildo has also approved the framework and launch of a new grant scheme to encourage and enhance citizen participation at the municipal level. With a total budget of €200,000, the scheme is designed to support local councils in implementing more effective and realistic participatory methodologies.
Initially, €130,000 will be distributed evenly among municipalities, focusing on projects that support participatory diagnostics, the creation of local participation plans or regulations, the development of civic participation networks, public consultations, and awareness campaigns. A secondary funding stream will promote inter-municipal cooperation in participation initiatives.
Celebrating La Laguna’s Heritage Status
The Council also approved a €500,000 allocation for events marking the 25th anniversary of San Cristóbal de La Laguna’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The funding will support a series of cultural and sporting activities throughout the year to celebrate the milestone.
Additionally, a grant of €254,520 has been awarded to the Municipality of Candelaria for the restoration of the Pozo de la Virgen and its surrounding area, as part of the Cabildo’s Programme for Historical Heritage.
Support for Culture and Education
In the field of culture, the Council has approved an €800,000 fund to support the development of audiovisual projects on the island in 2025. To qualify, applicant companies must be based in Tenerife. The grant covers four categories: feature films with budgets exceeding €400,000, feature films over €80,000, short films, and the development of feature film projects.
On the education front, President Dávila announced the renewal of the German Dual Vocational Training (FP Dual Alemana) programme through an agreement with the Municipality of El Sauzal. The programme currently has 60 enrolled students and is part of a broader strategy to promote high-quality employment opportunities on the island.
