The plenary session of the Santa Eulària Town Council has approved today to convert all urban parks and gardens in shelters for lizards, a measure that seeks to protect this native species threatened by predators such as snakes. In addition, other relevant issues such as the garbage tax and an island crematorium for pets have been discussed.
Parks as shelters for lizards
The initiative to declare lizard sanctuaries to all public gardens was approved with the votes in favor of the Popular Party and PSOE, while Unides Podem abstained. As explained by the Councilor for Urbanism, Eva Prats, the measure is part of the municipal garden management plan and seeks to improve urban biodiversity. For a year and a half, measures such as the installation of shelters, snake traps and appropriate vegetation have already been implemented in Santa Eulària’s Paseo Marítimo. This approach will be replicated in other green spaces of the municipality, adapting the walls and promoting coexistence between nature and citizens.
Debate on the garbage fee
Another central point of the plenary was the motion presented by the PP to request the Government of Spain not to force the application of the increase in the garbage tax, which should come into force in 2025 according to a European regulation. According to the City Council, this directive means that municipalities must pass on the real cost of waste management to citizens, which in Santa Eulària will mean an average increase of 40%. The PP defended that the regulation does not require the citizen to directly assume this cost, while the PSOE and Unides Podem argued that the regulation encourages those who generate more waste to pay more. The increase will especially affect five-star hotels and holiday homes, with increases of up to 60%, while some small businesses will have increases of 5%. Homes of up to 150 square meters will pay 190 euros per year, compared to the current 125 euros.
Crematory for pets
Finally, a motion of Unides Podem was approved, modified by the PP, to urge the Consell Insular de Ibiza to develop an island crematorium for pets. This issue will be raised in the Consell de Alcaldes to determine the location of the project, which is expected to be a reality during this term.
