Isaí Blanco: Growth Must Not Sacrifice Quality of Life in La Oliva

In an interview with La Voz de Fuerteventura, Isaí Blanco, mayor of La Oliva (born 1987 in Puerto del Rosario), reviews his administration’s performance as the year draws to a close, responding to critics who label him a development‑driven politician and defending a balanced, sustainable model for the municipality’s growth.

LVF: “As the year ends, how would you assess this term’s performance?”
Blanco: The balance is overwhelmingly positive, especially because 2025 was a year of consolidation. We moved from announcing projects to actually executing them—or having them fully on track. La Oliva is growing in population, economic activity, and international profile, which demands clear public‑sector responses. This year we have:

• Reinforced public safety
• Advanced public housing initiatives
• Planned infrastructure projects funded by European sources
• Improved basic services such as water supply, beach maintenance, and waste collection

All of this is guided by a single principle: growth must not come at the expense of quality of life.

LVF: “Drago Canarias highlighted that El Cotillo has 2,500 tourist beds for only 1,730 registered residents. How do you interpret these figures?”
Blanco: This is not new. We have been flagging this imbalance for a decade. Preserving our natural environment and curbing unchecked development are core to our identity. The pressure on Fuerteventura’s tourism sector is immense, but we have always been clear about the kind of island we want—one where growth follows sustainable and responsible principles. We have consistently opposed:

• Oil exploitation
• Uncontrolled water‑taxi operations on Isla de Lobos
• The “Dreamland” project
• The massive Corralejo “macromuelle”
• Any disproportionate land development

These are not mere attractions; they are our homes and the land we work to protect.

LVF: “You call for a balanced model to be reflected in the General Urban Planning Plan, which still relies on outdated subsidiary regulations. What is the status of that document?”
Blanco: We have commissioned Gesplan, and a drafting team is already advancing the plan. According to their timeline, we aim for an initial approval before the current mandate ends.

LVF: “How is the rehabilitation of Corralejo’s Old Town progressing? What actions are being taken to boost its appeal?”
Blanco: Our goal is to maintain and improve the town’s buildings and streets while preserving Corralejo’s maritime colors and identity, ensuring the historic character remains intact.

LVF: “Municipal land allocation for housing is urgent. The administration is already building public housing on previously ceded land. Will you continue this approach and release more space?”
Blanco: Absolutely. Recognizing this need, we are able to act swiftly because of our agility in land‑allocation decisions.

LVF: “The law regulating vacation‑rental housing has been approved and published in the Official Gazette. How do you assess its impact on the municipality, one of the most pressured in the Canary Islands?”
Blanco: It is a necessary regulation. We also aim to keep this sector as a viable accommodation alternative, allowing tourism wealth to be distributed while ensuring it does not compromise service quality.

LVF: “What is the status of Las Agujas, Baku, and the building known as Yoga Center near Parque Holandés? These tourism‑linked infrastructures currently damage the destination’s image due to their poor condition.”
Blanco: Las Agujas and Baku are complex, long‑standing urban cases. We have been working with nationally recognized urban law experts. One case is pending judicial resolution; the other has already reached the council, where the developer must make legally viable modifications.

LVF: “The Corralejo pier, a main gateway to the island handling thousands of passengers annually, is in disrepair. While Port Authority works on maintenance, a comprehensive renovation is awaited. The previous administration’s proposal faced criticism for its ecological impact. What do you know about the new project the Canary Islands Government is developing?”
Blanco: Maintenance work is already improving the existing pier, which had been neglected. Regarding the macromuelle project, we maintain that any new pier must be non‑industrial, respect our landscape values, and meet all maritime needs. The project is currently awaiting an environmental assessment from the central government.

LVF: “What are La Oliva’s budget figures for 2026 and the priority investments planned?”
Blanco: Priority investments funded from our own resources include:

• Cleaning contract renewal
• New fire‑fighter units
• Additional police officers
• Enhanced lifeguard services

We also continue to secure and spend European funds for a wide range of infrastructure upgrades.

LVF: “What improvements are planned for sports facilities?”
Blanco: For the coming year, several actions are slated, many financed by European funds managed by the Department of Economy and Finance (led by Juan José Rodríguez) and complemented by the Department of Sports (directed by Gleiber Carreño). Key projects:

• Replacement of the roof at the José Perdomo Umpiérrez Pavilion in Corralejo
• Installation of shade structures and lighting towers at all municipal football fields
• Minor works to upgrade multi‑sport courts in Tamaragua, El Cotillo, and Parque Holandés, as well as other local ball fields
• Funding secured to climate‑control the Corralejo Municipal Swimming Pool

LVF: “Looking ahead to the new year, what do you ask for?”
Blanco: The opportunity to keep improving La Oliva.

LVF: “2026 is the pre‑election year, with political activity set to intensify. Are you prepared?”
Blanco: We remain fully prepared.