The article highlights the plight of approximately 20,000 residents in Arona Alta, a district in Tenerife, Spain, who have been living without a sewage system for over 20 years. Despite Arona being a major tourist destination attracting over 1.38 million visitors in 2024, the local population is faced with severe sanitation issues that pose health risks. The stark contrast between the beautiful tourist beaches and the unsanitary conditions in some neighborhoods raises concerns about residents' quality of life and public health.

Residents such as Davide Cortellino, president of a community group, emphasize the intolerable conditions in their area, which contribute to both a health crisis and ecological degradation. The article discusses different neighborhoods affected by these issues, including La Camella and Valle de San Lorenzo. With ongoing complaints and advocacy from community members, it’s clear that there is a significant need for infrastructure improvements to ensure basic sanitation and health services.

The situation in Arona sheds light on broader issues related to urban planning and environmental management in rapidly growing tourist areas. The presence of luxury resorts and beautiful coastal views starkly contrasts with the reality faced by local inhabitants, suggesting that local governments need to balance tourism development with essential services for permanent residents. This case demonstrates the urgent need for investment in public infrastructure to prevent ongoing health and ecological crises in tourist-heavy regions.