The spokesman for the Popular Party in La Laguna, Juan Antonio Molina, conveyed his “concern” on Monday regarding the proliferation of flying termites within the historic area of La Laguna.
This predicament impacts private residences and heritage buildings, causing distress among locals, who, as stated by Molina, feel “powerless” and are lacking an adequate response from the local authorities.
“The City Council must take responsibility for an issue that evidently affects the quality of life for Laguneros and the condition of our heritage. We are facing a challenge that necessitates swift decisions and coordinated actions. Therefore, we have submitted a request urging the departments of Environment and Urban Planning to acknowledge and conduct the necessary technical assessments to gauge the impact of this infestation and subsequently establish a suitable intervention strategy,” Molina remarked in a statement.
Numerous residents in the historic centre have voiced their anxiety as they witness the impact of termites on their properties, noting that until now, there has been insufficient coordination to tackle this pest, according to the Popular Party.
“Laguneros require a decisive response. It is unsettling to observe the City Council’s inaction while termites persist in damaging properties of significant architectural importance. La Laguna boasts a historic centre defined by its wooden structures, both noble and otherwise, rendering these buildings particularly susceptible to the ravages of this infestation, which could lead to considerable structural damage,” the spokesperson added.
Molina also underscored the urgent need for measures in vital public buildings, such as the Leal Theatre, which is already displaying signs of infestation.
“The presence of termites has been especially pronounced in buildings of great heritage significance. We are witnessing this plague spread swiftly, affecting both private and public properties, which are integral to the identity of La Laguna. If prompt action is not undertaken, the efforts of private owners to combat this pest will be entirely undermined by the absence of a collective strategy from the council,” he further noted.
The Popular Party asserts that it is the City Council’s duty and jurisdiction to confront this issue with effective measures, and insists that the local administration must take the lead in this matter.
“The preservation of our historic centre and the safety of our community ought to be a priority. We cannot permit such an invasive pest to proliferate without decisive action from the City Council. We demand coordinated measures, as it is only through this approach that we can manage this issue and prevent an irreversible effect on La Laguna’s heritage,” concluded Molina.