The cancellation of the construction of four of the EN125 variants, as part of the renegotiation of the contract with the Rotas do Algarve Litoral consortium, is «a clear lack of strategic vision on the part of this Government», says Francisco Leal, mayor of Olhão.
This municipality is one of those that will be affected by the cancellation of the planned works, which affects the projected variants of Odiáxere (Lagos), Olhão, Luz de Tavira and the EN 2 between Faro and S. Brás de Alportel.
In statements to the Sul Informação, the socialist mayor says that he faces “the worst way [the cancellation], since I have always considered that this is a fundamental work, both for the quality of life of the population of Olho, and in terms of mobility, since it is one of the the most popular accesses to the Eastern Algarve».
Francisco Leal stresses that the end of the Olhão bypass “has great damage, both in environmental terms, especially for the population of Olhão, and in economic terms, since our main activity, tourism, is affected, with the aggravation of affluence. this road [EN125] has grown immeasurably since the installation of tolls on the A22».
Therefore, he adds, «the cancellation of all these works will have a very negative impact on tourism in the Algarve. At a time when this economic activity is the only one that can respond in immediate terms to the growth of exports, it is unbelievable that the Government will further damage the Algarve's economy (that is to say, the country's economy)».
"It is a clear lack of strategic vision on the part of this Government!", concludes the mayor of Olhão.
(Almost) all against abandonment of works
Also António Eusébio, Mayor of São Brás de Alportel and PS/Algarve, criticized yesterday the decision to cancel the four works previously planned under the Rotas do Algarve Litoral concession.
In statements to the Sul Informação, António Eusébio regretted “the postponement of projects that are fundamental for the security of the region” and said he did not believe that the alternative solution, which foresees that Estradas de Portugal should proceed with the works, could be implemented soon, “taking into account the situation the country is experiencing”.
The criticisms also came from the PCP and the Commission of Users of Via do Infante. To the algarvian communists, «there is no “renegotiation”, let alone “savings”, but a cut in the planned works and the transfer, to the State, of the costs previously assumed by the consortium Rotas do Algarve Litoral, while the high costs remain untouched. rates of profitability of the consortium'.
A CUVI, on the other hand, he considers that «Estradas de Portugal offered the euromillions to Rotas do Algarve Litoral – this company does not build fundamental works, which are cancelled, and the bulk of the maintenance is transferred to the public company!».
At the opposite end of these opinions is the PSD/Algarve. Second the social democrats, with the agreement reached in the renegotiation of this PPP (Public-Private Partnership) it will be possible "to resume with immediate effect the modernization works of this important Algarve road [EN125] with a saving of 155 million euros".
However, admits the PSD/Algarve, the construction of the Olhão bypass will be left out, which is “a serious flaw in this process, as this is a structural work for traffic on the EN125”.
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