Residents Raise Alarm Over Safety Risks at Barranco de Tahodio

The Barranco de Tahodio, a picturesque ravine that begins in Hoya de las Palomas and flows into the marina of Santa Cruz, serves as a natural boundary between the Centro Ifara district and the Anaga region. While the ravine presents a seemingly clean and wide appearance, local residents have voiced serious concerns regarding safety issues that could pose significant risks, particularly to children and pedestrians in the area.

Heightened Safety Concerns Amid Natural Beauty

Although the Barranco de Tahodio generally poses minimal risk under normal weather conditions, the potential dangers become pronounced during heavy rainfall, which can lead to sudden surges in water levels. A resident from Residencial Anaga, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed alarm over the steep drop-offs along the ravine’s edges. The resident highlighted that the vertical drop can reach between 15 and 20 meters, with the height from a central bridge connecting both sides exceeding 20 meters. This precarious situation is particularly concerning given the proximity of local schools and colleges, which attract a significant number of minors to the area.

Inadequate Wall Heights Raise Alarm

On the Ifara side of the ravine, the walls that border the area stand at a mere 60 centimeters, while those on the Anaga side, near Barrio de La Alegría, are even lower, measuring under 40 centimeters. This lack of adequate barriers has led to instances where individuals have fallen into the ravine, although thankfully, no residents from Residencial Anaga have yet experienced such accidents. To mitigate the risk of tripping, many pedestrians opt to cross to the opposite pavement, which runs alongside the buildings. However, the uneven ground, exacerbated by tree roots, presents another significant hazard, increasing the likelihood of falls and injuries for those navigating the area.

Calls for Urgent Action and Improvements

Residents have persistently raised these pressing safety concerns with local political representatives, both during election cycles and throughout their terms. One resident recounted an incident in May 2023 when the mayor visited the area and parents took the opportunity to voice their worries regarding the inadequate wall heights. While some improvements were made around schools and colleges, including the installation of fences, the unresolved issues near the ravine continue to pose risks.

Initially, residents were informed that the responsibility for addressing these safety concerns lay with the Tenerife Insular Water Council (CIATF). However, it was later clarified that the local council should implement protective measures, given that the ravine is classified as a municipal channel. Additionally, the inadequate street lighting surrounding the ravine has been a longstanding point of contention. Although some improvements have been made after years of requests, visibility remains a significant concern for residents.

Previous lamppost installations were rendered ineffective due to obstruction from tree branches. Recently, new lights have been installed at lower heights to enhance illumination along the pavement, thereby reducing nighttime hazards. Despite these efforts, the pavement itself continues to be problematic, with significant unevenness, particularly near tree pits where roots have disrupted the surface. This situation complicates pedestrian movement and further increases the risk of accidents.

Local Authorities Respond to Community Concerns

In a recent visit to the area, local officials, including Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez, First Deputy Mayor Carlos Tarife, and district councillor Purificación Davila, took the time to listen to residents’ concerns firsthand. During this visit, residents reiterated their worries about the dangerously low wall heights and the lack of action taken over the years. They emphasized the urgent need for a clear timeline and budget for addressing these safety issues, rather than allowing them to linger indefinitely without resolution.

The residents’ persistent advocacy for improvements reflects their deep commitment to ensuring the safety of their community, especially for children who frequent the area. As discussions continue, the hope is that local authorities will prioritize these concerns and take decisive action to enhance safety measures around the Barranco de Tahodio.

Key points

• The Barranco de Tahodio flows from Hoya de las Palomas to the marina of Santa Cruz.
• Residents express concerns over the height of walls along the ravine, which are insufficient for safety.
• The drop to the bottom of the ravine can reach 20 meters, posing risks to pedestrians.
• Local schools and colleges nearby increase foot traffic in the area.
• Residents have communicated safety concerns to local authorities multiple times.
• Recent improvements include better street lighting, but pavement conditions remain hazardous.
• Local officials have acknowledged the issues but have yet to implement a comprehensive solution.