Residents Demand Answers After Beach Contamination in Tenerife
Residents of Punta Brava, part of the Stop Marine Pollution platform, are calling for accountability following a recent microbiological contamination incident at Playa Jardín, which occurred between 22 and 24 June. The group expressed concern that no preventive measures were taken, nor was the public informed about the contamination during that period.
Tania Hernández, the platform’s president, emphasised the crucial need for transparency, stating that the lack of communication has eroded public trust. She noted that ongoing structural problems at Playa Jardín remain unaddressed and urged for decisive solutions to improve the sewage system and water quality monitoring.
This is not the first time the community has raised alarms. On the anniversary of Playa Jardín’s reopening, the platform highlighted that many promised repairs to tackle the pollution issues had yet to be completed, leading to delays in vital projects. Key concerns include expanding the local sewage treatment plant, optimising the tertiary treatment process for reused water, and upgrading outdated sewage systems.
Reports of the contamination emerged just as San Juan celebrations took place, prompting the residents to take matters into their own hands by publicising the issue after reviewing official reports. They feel that it is the responsibility of the local authorities to inform the public about potential health threats linked to water quality.
The situation grew contentious between the local government and the General Directorate of Public Health. While the health department claimed it had alerted the council about the contamination on 23 June, the council initially denied receiving any notification. The mayor later admitted that the email was seen late, on 24 June, and defended the council’s own tests which yielded favourable results, although these results have not been made public.
Following these developments, residents have demanded clarity on the procedures in place during the contamination, how they were implemented, and what future steps are being planned to prevent a recurrence. They argue that communication protocols were inadequate and insist on better collaboration between authorities to ensure the safety of those who live and visit the coastal area.
