The Lanzarote Cabildo has approved the allocation of more than €53 million from its budget surplus, with the largest investments directed towards housing, public transport, water infrastructure and municipal projects.
The Cabildo said the funding package includes €31.48 million distributed across government departments, €8 million to maintain free public transport on the island and €14 million to repay debt inherited from the previous administration.
Council President Oswaldo Betancort said the additional funding responds to the main priorities facing Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
He said the Cabildo was increasing investment across several areas while also funding initiatives that fall outside its formal responsibilities, citing the continuation of free public transport as an example.
Housing and water receive major investment
Housing remains one of the principal priorities, with €5.74 million allocated to expand the public housing stock across Lanzarote.
A further €2 million will be invested in improving water infrastructure following the transfer of responsibility for the island’s entire water cycle to the Water Consortium after the termination of the previous management contract.
Betancort said they remained committed to improving the islands’ water supply network as quickly as possible through continued investment.
Municipal cooperation and emergency services
The Cabildo will also provide more than €6.3 million through its 2026 Extraordinary Municipal Cooperation Plan, with the funding to be shared equally among Lanzarote’s seven municipalities.
Emergency services will receive an additional €1.83 million for the Lanzarote Security and Emergency Consortium. The funding follows the establishment of a new emergency station in the north of the island and will support civil protection grants, healthcare coverage in the Famara area and coastal surveillance services.
Social services and environmental projects
The surplus includes €1.67 million for social welfare, inclusion and senior citizens’ programmes. Planned initiatives include accessibility improvements, person-centred care training and a disability-friendly festival.
Environmental measures include:
- €850,000 for waste management projects, including improved emergency access to the Zonzamas Environmental Complex.
- More than €200,000 for landscape and food sovereignty initiatives.
- €135,000 for the Biosphere Reserve and Geopark.
The Animal Welfare Department will receive an additional €112,000 to fund events including the Island Animal Welfare Fair, the Canary Islands Breed Fair and the management of authorised cat colonies.
Employment, education and tourism
The Cabildo has allocated €784,169 to training and employment programmes, including the island’s first work experience scheme and employment promotion grants.
Education will receive an additional €440,920.
Meanwhile, €4.5 million has been assigned to the Lanzarote Foreign Promotion Society (SPEL – Turismo Lanzarote) to continue promoting the island as a high-quality tourist destination.
Support for agriculture and traditional industries
The Handicrafts Department has been allocated €400,000 to organise the Island Handicrafts Fair, which promotes traditional Canarian crafts.
The primary sector will receive significant support, with €2.5 million allocated to agriculture and livestock projects and €200,000 earmarked to help cover operating costs for fishing organisations and associations.
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