Óscar Noda, mayor of Yaiza and opposition councilor for the Cabildo of Lanzarote, urged the island's president and regional parliamentarian, Oswaldo Betancort, not to "take credit for others' achievements" regarding the arrival of cruise ships at the Playa Blanca port. Noda stated that the population "perfectly knows" that the government of Yaiza and local businesses were the driving force behind this initiative, "when almost the entire Island turned its back on us."
Among the municipal initiatives, Noda highlighted a study commissioned by Puertos Canarios in 2023 at the Ayuntamiento's request, focusing on the competitiveness of the Playa Blanca port in the luxury cruise market and its socioeconomic impact.
The mayor questioned Betancort's "interest" in Playa Blanca, asking in Parliament why the Government has not fully operationalized all services at the new port or why it has not tendered the construction of 136 public housing units in the town.
Noda also conveyed concerns to the Minister of Public Works, Housing, and Mobility of the Government of the Canary Islands, Pablo Rodríguez, regarding his potential role as a "supporting actor" in a parliamentary "play" allegedly starring Betancort.
The mayor criticized the inconsistency in Betancort's announcements regarding the start dates for activity and service availability at the port, noting that in his fourth year in office, parliamentary questions about previously postponed dates continue to be announced.
Noda demanded an explanation for the delays, recalling that if the port was considered ready in March, it should now be detailed what is missing and when it will be completed. He emphasized that those who then demanded "anticipation and diligence" should apply the same criteria to their management.
The municipal claims are documented since 2023, including written requests to the Cabildo representative in Puertos Canarios and meetings with the entity's managing director, which led to the November 2025 arrival forecast.
The Yaiza Ayuntamiento also developed marketing materials, including a 45-page dossier and a promotional video, while also requesting confirmation of services such as towing, mooring, and pilotage. Noda regretted that these municipal contributions "cannot disappear from the institutional narrative."
In addition to claims about the cafeteria and signage, Noda highlighted the need for all rooms to be enabled and parking areas, which he denounces as still closed, to be opened. He demands the completion of pending services and public disclosure of the status of each necessary provision.
"Playa Blanca needs an open cafeteria, usable facilities, available parking, and signage that fulfills its function," stated the mayor, calling for transparency regarding contracted services and their operation.
Noda places the responsibility for completing and managing the facility with Puertos Canarios and urges the Cabildo president to provide the leadership and coordination he has been advocating for. He distinguished between announcing a stopover and proving that docking, passenger services, and related amenities are organized.
The mayor recalled previous reservations about the complementarity of the Playa Blanca port with that of Arrecife, advocating for an island-wide vision and the potential of the boutique segment. He argues that these discrepancies do not justify delaying responses about services.
Noda positively values that shipping companies are including Playa Blanca on their routes and calls for this opportunity to be converted into effective activity for local commerce, restaurants, and transportation, demanding a public schedule of stops, identified responsible parties, and coordination with the Ayuntamiento.
