By: Fatima Younes
Residents of Los Realejos have collected thousands of signatures in protest against a propane gas plant project defended by the company Disa and the local government in the Canary Islands, amidst growing concerns about the environmental and health impacts of the project.
Popular protests and municipal rejection
The area witnessed a large gathering of residents to discuss the implications of the proposed plant, where a local platform succeeded in collecting thousands of signatures rejecting the project in a municipality with a population of tens of thousands. This movement comes in light of a unified position by the municipal council, which completely opposes the establishment of the facility, considering that its location raises great concern among neighboring residents.
Position of the company and government authorities
For its part, Disa emphasizes that the site selection is based on precise technical criteria that ensure minimal impact, in addition to proximity to electrical infrastructure to ensure safety and access. The company explained that urban planning allows for the conversion of the use of the land in question to industrial activity, stressing that the facility was designed to serve as an emergency support system to counter any potential power outages on the island.
On the other hand, the local authorities maintain that the step of providing emergency energy support is indispensable for the stability of the electrical grid in isolated areas, warning of the risks of a comprehensive power outage. Despite the project receiving official licenses and being published in the official gazette, political and popular pressure continues from residents calling for a reconsideration of the chosen site to avoid any potential environmental and health repercussions.
