The Lanzarote parliamentarian of the Canarian Nationalist Group (CCa), Cristina Calero, has highlighted the "urgent need to address the housing crisis" on the island of Lanzarote. During her speech at the Committee on Public Works, Transport and Housing of the Parliament of the Canary Islands last Friday, Calero stressed that "housing has become one of the main concerns of the population in the Archipelago, affecting both young people and families, with Lanzarote as one of the epicenters of this problem".
“The factors that contribute to this crisis, such as the pressure of holiday rentals, the shortage of public housing and the decrease in purchasing power, are diverse,” he said.
In a clear allusion to the PSOE and its government of the ‘Pact of Flowers’, the Canarian deputy also questioned the "lack of execution of the 2020-2025 Housing Plan, highlighting that less than 50% of the plan has been implemented to date, despite the fact that there is only one year left for its conclusion". Calero quoted the Deputy of the Common, Rafael Yanes, who pointed out the "lack of effectiveness in the management of empty homes in the Canary Islands".
She also highlighted the "lack of response from the previous Government" to concrete proposals from municipalities such as Teguise for the construction of public protection housing, and asked that the "specific situation of municipalities such as Arrecife and Yaiza, where housing needs vary significantly, be considered".
“The population of Lanzarote expects concrete answers and decisive actions from the competent authorities. The housing crisis cannot wait any longer and it is crucial that effective measures are taken to address it,” she said.
In response to Calero, the Minister of Public Works, Housing and Mobility of the Government of the Canary Islands, Pablo Rodríguez, pointed out that "there is currently a plan for Lanzarote, both through the 'Canary Housing Plan' and the European Funds, for 440 homes that will be built and completed in this legislature, mostly in the municipalities of Arrecife and Yaiza". The councilor acknowledged the "problem of the lack of available salary for the construction of protected housing, public housing throughout the Canary Islands and, especially, in Lanzarote".
He also wanted to highlight the "maximum collaboration" he is receiving from the Island Council of the island as well as from "each and every one of the municipalities of the island, to locate available land and provide a solution to this problem".
