Controversy Erupts Over 'Tree-Lamp Posts' in Candelaria, Canary Islands

In the municipality of Candelaria, located on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, a heated debate has emerged regarding the local government's handling of public lighting. The Coalition of Canaria (CC) in Candelaria has vehemently denounced the latest initiative by the Socialist Party (PSOE) government, which involves using tree trunks as makeshift lamp posts, dubbed "árboles-farola" or "tree-lamp posts."

Criticism and Safety Concerns

Ángela Cruz, the spokesperson for the CC in Candelaria, has been at the forefront of this criticism. Cruz has condemned the PSOE's decision, describing it as an "ecological attack" and a significant risk to the safety of local residents and their pets. The CC has long been advocating for a comprehensive renovation of the public lighting system, emphasizing the need for energy efficiency, decarbonization, and sustainability.

The "árboles-farola" initiative involves attaching metal tubes to the trunks of trees to support the electrical wiring and lighting fixtures. This method has been criticized not only for its aesthetic shortcomings but also for the potential dangers it poses. The exposed wiring and the use of flexible accordion tubes to connect the electrical cables to the tree trunks are seen as serious safety hazards.

Historical Context and Ongoing Issues

This is not the first time the CC has raised concerns about the public lighting in Candelaria. For years, the party has been pushing for significant investments to improve the lighting infrastructure, but their proposals have consistently been met with rejection by the PSOE-led municipal government. The current situation is exacerbated by the general state of disrepair of the existing lighting system, with many lamp posts lacking paint, missing covers, and displaying a chaotic array of different types and wiring.

Demands for Change

The CC is demanding the immediate removal of these "árboles-farola" and the implementation of safer and more sustainable alternatives. Cruz emphasized that the recent allocation of 1.3 million euros for lighting renovations in some streets is insufficient and that a total overhaul of the public lighting system is necessary.

Community Impact

The issue has resonated deeply within the community, with many residents expressing their dissatisfaction with the current state of public lighting. The CC's stance is not just about aesthetics but also about ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. As the municipality continues to grapple with this issue, it remains to be seen how the PSOE government will respond to these criticisms and whether they will adopt the CC's proposals for a more modern and sustainable public lighting system.

In a region known for its commitment to environmental sustainability and community welfare, the controversy over the "árboles-farola" highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing governance with the needs and expectations of local residents.