Lanzarote MP Calls for Urgent Investment in Water Infrastructure
Marcos Bergaz, the Socialist MP for Lanzarote and La Graciosa, has urged the Canary Islands Government to activate a fund of up to €15 million for water infrastructure this year. His call comes after the government extended the water emergency in Lanzarote until 2027.
Bergaz stressed that it is unacceptable for the island to go another year without accessing this vital funding aimed at modernising infrastructure, which currently suffers from over 50% water loss and frequent supply interruptions. He noted that Lanzarote missed a crucial opportunity to access similar funds in 2025 when the government chose not to activate them despite the ongoing crisis.
He emphasised that with the latest extension of the emergency, there are no excuses for leaving the €15 million unused. This funding was set up specifically for islands under water emergency and Lanzarote remains the only island in this category.
Bergaz criticised the previous year’s failure to activate this funding, highlighting the pressing need for investment in water management. “It would be intolerable for the island and the government to repeat the mistake of not acting this year,” he stated.
Despite his efforts last year to push for the activation of this extraordinary fund, the regional government did not respond. He also noted a lack of strong advocacy from the Cabildo of Lanzarote in demanding these funds.
“Silence cannot be our response. We need these resources, but the government chose not to activate them, and the Cabildo remained quiet,” he argued.
Bergaz pointed out that a report indicated significant water losses affecting many municipalities and periodic supply cuts. He urged that any contract termination with the water management company must be paired with a robust public investment plan to renew the island’s water infrastructure.
In response to a parliamentary query, Manuel Miranda, the regional councillor for Territorial Policy and Water, did not commit to activating the €15 million, citing budget constraints.
Bergaz described this response as inadequate given the ongoing emergency and vowed to continue advocating for the activation of this necessary funding. He insists it is essential to address one of the island’s key structural issues.
