The mayor of Arucas, Juan Jesús Facundo, assures that his mind remains in the municipality and that he has a 90% intention to run for re-election. In an interview, he reviews the key projects for the city until 2030.
The mayor of Arucas, Juan Jesús Facundo, has confirmed that his intention is to continue leading the municipality after the upcoming local elections. In an interview with this newspaper, the socialist leader, who has held the position for nearly twelve years, acknowledged that he feels "motivated" and that "I can't see myself anywhere but Arucas." However, he clarified that the final decision will depend on the support of his party, the PSOE, which will open internal processes to designate candidates starting in September.
Facundo estimated his chances of running again at "90%", although he wanted to be cautious: "One can have the illusion and perhaps not have that support." The mayor assured that the governing group, formed by PSOE, PP, and a split from Nueva Canarias (Primero Canarias), works "with loyalty" and that this stability is reflected in the results of the municipality.
When asked about the current situation of the PSOE at the national level, with several corruption cases in the media spotlight, Facundo expressed that he feels "bad, discouraged." "No one likes to see corrupt individuals and thieves in their home who exploit public service for personal gain," he stated, although he wanted to dissociate that situation from local management.
Ten key projects for 2030
The mayor detailed the ten strategic projects that his team has designed with a horizon towards 2030. The most advanced is the new Exhibition Centre, with construction expected to finish by early 2027. "Our goal is to enjoy that space by January, although final touches will remain," he explained.
Next are the new Municipal Offices, whose first phase has already been tendered for around 8 million euros, and the Emblematic Hotel in the old Casino, whose construction is about to begin. The project for the Bus Station is also being drafted, for which the City Council has received a grant of 60,000 euros from the Unique Transport Authority.
Facundo highlighted the importance of the future GC-2 as it passes through the coast of Arucas, between Bañaderos and El Puertillo, as well as in the areas of El Peñón, Quintanilla, and San Andrés. The project is being drafted by the technicians of the Government of the Canary Islands and is expected to be ready in December. "This work will improve all road infrastructure and, along with the road to La Aldea, we would be at optimal levels to recover the time lost since the 1970s," he noted.
Other pending projects include the Occupational Centre of Visvique, awaiting funding from the Cabildo, and the Surf Training Centre in Bañaderos, which is being developed with the Higher Sports Council. Additionally, the FDCAN 2027-2037 will allow the inclusion of the Rosales Cinema, with funding of nearly 4 million euros.
The improvement of the GC-20, already noticeable
The mayor positively assessed the completion of the works on the GC-20, which connects the municipality with the capital of Gran Canaria. Although some finishing touches remain, Facundo assured that there is already a noticeable improvement in traffic flow, although he acknowledged that the month of July, without school activity, helps. "I believe traffic will be much smoother when it has more density, starting in September, with the beginning of the school period," he clarified.
Regarding the Partial Territorial Plan of the Northern Coast (PTP-15), Facundo recalled that there is an open judicial process and that they will have to wait for the ruling, but road infrastructure is progressing on another front, for regional interest.
The mayor concluded the interview reaffirming his commitment to Arucas: "I will be where the people decide with their vote." Meanwhile, his team continues to execute the roadmap set for 2030, focused on improving the quality of life for residents and boosting the local economy.
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