Landslide Incident in Puerto Escondido Results in Significant Repair Costs

On December 3, a landslide incident in Puerto Escondido led to the closure of a café and raised safety concerns for local residents. The event has not only highlighted the risks associated with urban living but also the responsibilities of property owners and local authorities in ensuring public safety.

Repair Costs for Damaged Balconies

The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has estimated that the cost for repairing the balconies at number 9 on Puerto Escondido Street will reach €17,000. This figure was disclosed by Zaida González, a council member overseeing Urban Planning, and reflects the municipality’s anticipated expenses for the necessary repairs. The incident involved debris falling onto a public area, prompting the Local Police to cordon off the affected site to prevent any further accidents.

The council’s estimate is a preliminary figure and may not represent the final costs. It is expected that the building’s residents will take charge of contracting and financing the repair work, which will be subject to a license application. This means that the ultimate financial responsibility lies with the property owners, who are also tasked with ensuring that the repairs are conducted in compliance with local regulations.

Responsibilities and Safety Protocols

According to Urban Planning regulations, property owners must be notified when debris falls onto public property, and they are given a specific timeframe to implement protective measures, such as safety nets, to prevent further incidents until repairs are completed. On December 9, Urban Planning officials informed the building owners that they needed to install safety nets within 72 hours. The owners complied and successfully installed protective nets on the building’s façade.

Following the installation, the owners are now required to submit a certificate to the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council, prepared by a qualified technician, to verify that the installed measures are adequate and effective. This step is crucial in ensuring that the safety of the public is prioritized while the repairs are underway.

Impact on Local Café Operations

The café located directly in front of the incident site had to temporarily close due to the falling debris. Fortunately, this closure coincided with a period when several employees were unwell, allowing the café to manage the situation more effectively. The café owner noted that the terrace area, which is usually bustling with customers, was directly beneath where the debris fell, making the closure a necessary precaution to ensure the safety of patrons and staff alike.

Although the café had plans for a more extended closure in the future due to upcoming construction work on Puerto Escondido Street scheduled for mid-2026, the recent incident may accelerate this decision. The owner expressed concerns about maintaining staff during this uncertain period, as the café’s closure poses challenges for employment stability. The potential for a longer-term disruption raises questions about the viability of the business in the face of ongoing construction and safety issues.

Future Plans and Alternative Locations

Despite the closure of the Puerto Escondido location, the café remains operational at a nearby Bulevar shopping center, which opened a few months ago. The owner has no immediate plans to relocate the café but intends to keep it until the construction work is completed. Efforts will be made to renegotiate the rent to alleviate financial pressures stemming from the recent incident and the anticipated future closure. This strategic move aims to ensure that the café can continue to serve its loyal customers while navigating the challenges posed by the landslide incident.

Public Safety Concerns and Response

The debris that fell during the incident was comparable in size and weight to a handball, posing serious risks to public safety. Following the event, the Local Police secured the café’s terrace while firefighters conducted inspections of the building’s balconies, removing any loose materials to ensure the safety of the public. This prompt response underscores the importance of swift action in mitigating potential hazards in urban environments.

As the situation develops, local authorities are likely to continue monitoring the area closely to prevent further incidents. The collaboration between the council, property owners, and emergency services highlights the community’s commitment to maintaining safety standards and protecting residents from similar occurrences in the future.

Key points

• The estimated repair cost for the balconies at number 9 on Puerto Escondido Street is €17,000.
• The incident occurred on December 3, prompting a public safety response.
• Residents are expected to manage the contracting and payment for repairs.
• Safety nets were installed by the building owners following a directive from Urban Planning.
• The café in front of the incident site temporarily closed due to safety concerns.
• The café remains open at a nearby location while addressing employment challenges.
• Public safety measures were taken following the incident to prevent further risks.