Alejandro Jorge defends municipal action to protect Cueva de la Negra

In light of recent events concerning Cueva de la Negra, and as mayor of Pájara, I believe it is necessary to inform the public transparently about the steps taken by the Town Council, always in accordance with the law and within the scope of its powers.

I do so with the utmost respect for Ms Pascuala Roger, her family and everyone concerned about this situation. These are very difficult times, and I understand that.

To clarify the situation, I would like to explain the steps taken by Pájara Town Council:

Since 18 August, we have been in direct contact with the Roger family through their representative. On 26 August, I went in person to Cueva de la Negra to inform the official responsible for coastal affairs of the precautionary measures adopted by the Fuerteventura Island Council. No demolition took place that day and the machinery was removed.

Since then, the Town Council has sent up to five written submissions to various administrations, at the request of the Roger family. It has also maintained contact with the institutions involved and provided the family with the existing documentation on Cueva de la Negra held in the Municipal Archive.

One specific request made by the Roger family was for the Town Council to extend the precautionary measures adopted by the Island Council so that, in addition to preventing demolition, they would also prevent eviction.

After carrying out the relevant technical and legal consultations, the family was informed that the Town Council could not adopt a measure with such a scope.

Right up to today, we have remained in contact with the coastal authorities to convey the existing precautionary measures and ask that no demolition take place while the relevant heritage assessment is pending.

I reiterate my respect for Ms Pascuala Roger and her family. Pájara Town Council has been working with technical and legal support, to the extent permitted by the possibilities available to us as an institution.