La Oliva Acts Against Residential Use on Municipal Plots

The Environment Department leads an action, based on legality, prevention and social sensitivity, to protect the environment and the municipality’s image

The City Council of La Oliva has carried out a comprehensive operation in the locality of El Cotillo with the aim of preventing environmental degradation, waste accumulation, and the consolidation of unauthorized residential uses on several private plots in the municipality.

The intervention, driven and coordinated by the Environment Department, was carried out in close collaboration with the Local Police, environmental guides and municipal cleaning services. It is part of a long and complex administrative file that has required months of monitoring, technical inspections, police reports and formal notices to the landowners.

During the operation, abandoned vehicles used for residential purposes were removed, accumulated waste and belongings were properly managed, and those vehicles in a state of abandonment were taken for dismantling. At the same time, the City Council provided information, accompaniment and logistical support to the people present in the area, acting with empathy and respect.

The Council clarified that many of the people who continuously occupied these spaces own a primary home or a second residence, so the situation did not represent a generalized case of social exclusion, but rather land uses that did not comply with current regulations and that generated a negative environmental and visual impact.

“Our duty is to protect the environment, coexistence and the image of the municipality. We have acted with sensitivity, listening and accompanying people, but also with firmness to prevent irregular situations from becoming chronic and leading to bigger problems,” said Mayor Isaí Blanco.

“This action is the result of months of discreet and constant work. From the Environment Department we have led a preventive, dialogic and coordinated process to stop certain spaces from turning into illegal settlements and to ensure that the lands remain clean, safe and in proper condition,” explained Environment Councilor David Fajardo.

The City Council reminds that private plots must be kept clean, safe and sanitary, not only for aesthetic or tourism‑image reasons but also for public health and risk prevention, such as fire hazards or sources of unsanitary conditions.

Some larger‑scale cases have already been referred to the Canary Islands’ Natural Environment Protection Agency, while the Council will continue monitoring efforts to avoid the re‑appearance of irregular uses.

The City Council of La Oliva thus reaffirms its commitment to an orderly, sustainable and respectful municipality, where environmental protection, legality and coexistence are fundamental pillars.