Socialist mayors across Lanzarote have called on Oswaldo Betancort to stop withholding information regarding the management of the island’s water cycle and to immediately provide all relevant documents to local authorities.
In a letter to the Lanzarote Water Consortium, the mayors expressed concern over the lack of convened meetings and the absence of updates about the current state of water management. They described the situation as “incomprehensible,” claiming that an issue of such significance should be handled with transparency, allowing municipalities to access the necessary information without formal requests.
The mayors are demanding an explanation from Betancort on the current management of water services, particularly following the recent termination of the Canal Gestión concession. They specifically request copies of any objections filed by Canal Gestión regarding this concession termination, along with the Consortium’s response, if issued.
Additionally, they want details about any legal actions Canal Gestión may have taken, including copies of relevant filings and documentation.
The mayors are also asking for the financial account from the moment the Consortium took over the management of water services, which is crucial for understanding the service’s economic situation. They highlight the need for a report on billing incidents that arose due to an outdated customer database, insisting that explanations must be provided to the municipalities.
Finally, they seek written instructions given to the new management team to clarify the guidelines for this new phase of service management. They stress that Betancort cannot address such a critical issue without involving the municipalities, reminding him that local councils are stakeholders in the Consortium with a right to detailed information about service management.
“Water is one of the primary issues for Lanzarote and cannot be managed in secrecy. Oswaldo Betancort must call a meeting, provide documentation, and explain to the councils what is happening and what decisions are being made,” the socialist mayors stated. They assert that transparency is vital at this crucial stage for the future of water management on the island and indicate they will continue to demand the necessary information to oversee this essential public service.
