In view of the information published recently on the judgment regarding the land of El Matorral, the City Council of Puerto del Rosario wishes to convey to the citizens a calm and rigorous clarification of the facts, framing this issue within its historical and administrative context.
The occupation of the affected land -with a total surface area of approximately 10,000 m²- took place in two phases: the first one in the 1990s, during the construction of several streets included in the “El Matorral” Partial Plan; and the second one between 2001 and 2004, destined for open spaces and endowment areas, including the current El Matorral Urban Park. The actions were developed within the projects foreseen in the municipal infrastructure plans of that time.
It is important to point out that, although the total land affected was about 10,000 m², the area finally recognized as occupied is 6,517 m², since the roads considered as compulsory transfers are excluded.
The legal proceedings have concluded with an economic valuation of 4,684,558.70 euros, in application of the Law of Forced Expropriation, including a 5% affection prize. This resolution puts an end to a litigation that has lasted for more than two decades and that started in 2004, when the works were formally received.
David de Vera, mayor of Puerto del Rosario, said: “This City Council respectfully accepts the judicial decision. This is an inherited process, linked to decisions and urban development actions of more than twenty years. Our commitment is to continue working responsibly, seeking solutions that guarantee the general interest, transparency in management and efficiency in the use of public resources.”
The Councilman of Economy and Finance Juan Manuel Verdugo added that “the City Council will proceed in the coming days to carry out the administrative actions leading to pay the principal set in judgment and without prejudice to the right to appeal the setting of interest established in judgment which is being studied by the legal services. This resolution does not jeopardize the municipal finances that enjoy solvency in the form of liquid cash surpluses, although it should not be ignored that it supposes a significant detraction of resources to face future projects”.
The government group, from the first moment, has faced this issue with a collaborative spirit and with the aim of defending the interests of the municipality. The City Council already contemplated this compensation in the municipal budgets, although it is considering appealing to the Supreme Court for the value of the interest.
