The imminent eviction of Can Rova 2 on 15 July has led some of its inhabitants to seek refuge in the adjoining forest, in Puig d'en Negre, a natural area of difficult access that presents a high risk of fire due to the large accumulated forest mass. For several days now, people working in the area and local residents have noticed individuals wandering among the pine trees and constructing makeshift shelters from plastic and other materials. This week, several shacks have appeared, confirming the stable presence of several occupants.
The situation is particularly worrying because of the danger posed by any carelessness in a wooded area full of dry pine trees, fallen branches and a blanket of leaf litter that turns the environment into a natural powder keg. Added to this is the presence of hazardous waste such as asbestos residues and metal sheets, which could aggravate the consequences of a fire. The memory of the fire that affected Can Rova 2 just a fortnight ago is still present and raises fears that history could repeat itself in an even more vulnerable scenario.
Furthermore, Puig d'en Negre is situated next to the Torrent d'en Capità and in close proximity to a significant Aqualia reservoir, which is crucial for Ibiza's water supply. An emergency in this area could have serious environmental and security consequences for the municipality.
Periódico de Ibiza y Formentera has verified that the new settlements are still precarious. However, the risk of more people moving there in the coming days is high, given that the definitive eviction of Can Rova 2 is scheduled for Tuesday, 15 July. The lack of viable housing alternatives is forcing many families to seek shelter wherever they can, including in unsafe and potentially dangerous places.
Santa Eulàlia Town Hall claims to have offered temporary accommodation in the municipal pavilion and emergency aid, but most of the inhabitants of Can Rova 2 reject these as inadequate solutions given their work and personal situations.
The municipal opposition and the Pitiusan senator Juanjo Ferrer (PSOE) have criticised the lack of a decent housing solution, warning that the problem is not solved by eviction, but is simply moved to another area, aggravating the social and environmental risks.
Currently, there is little surveillance in the forest, and the occupation of the area is advancing slowly but steadily. If action is not taken quickly, Puig d'en Negre could become a disaster waiting to happen.