Large rocks displaced in the fishing ports of Arrifana and Forno, siltation at the mouth of the river in Odeceixe and Amoreira, which led to flooding of the floodplains, destruction of walkways, erosion of the sands. These are some of the problems caused by the storm on 6 January on the coast of the municipality of Aljezur, for whose resolution the City Council has already requested the «prompt intervention» of the Ministry of Environment.
«Basically, what we are saying to the Minister for the Environment, is that, of the three million euros that he announced for emergency works on the coastline to recover from the damage, we also need a small part of that amount to solve our problems," said José Amarelinho, mayor of Aljezur, in statements to Sul Informação.
The mayor said that he is aware that "some of the situations, such as the erosion of the sands, can be replaced naturally", but he stressed that he is especially concerned with the Odeceixe, Bordeira and Amoreira streams, "where, due to the siltation of the mouth of these streams, the floodplains where maize, sweet potatoes and other important crops for our farmers are cultivated were flooded».
Amarelinho also highlighted the situation of the fishing ports, which are already in difficult conditions, but which have now become more dangerous due to the displacement of some rocks and the opening of cracks in the Arrifana jetty. «We want the Portuguese Environment Agency to be attentive and check whether these situations pose a danger or not». “There is some heavy work here that is necessary, through small interventions that are urgent in these little ports”, stressed the mayor.
Other equipment that suffered damages with the storm were wooden walkways built to preserve natural values and prevent the trampling of the dunes, in an area in the middle of the Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina. "This investment was made a short time ago, but the sea destroyed part of the walkways and now we have to urgently intervene."
José Amarelinho also spoke of the work in progress at Praia da Amoreira, within the scope of the Polis Litoral, which includes the requalification of the space, creation of parking areas and the creation of an eco and bike path that connects to the Aljezur Sports Pavilion. "Now there has been a collapse of the cliff where the beach support is placed and it is also necessary to look at this situation."
As for the total amount of damages, the mayor of Aljezur revealed that "we already have the specifications", which amount to "many tens of thousands of euros".
“Entities with direct competences and responsibilities in this matter cannot ignore our concerns. We hope that, in the short term, representatives of the Ministry of Environment will return to the municipality of Aljezur again, already with an action plan to solve the problems raised», concludes the mayor of Costa Vicentina.
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