The Guadiana river is now a “fast track” that links Alcoutim to Vila Real de Santo António. The first phase of recovery of the river's navigability was completed and the Secretary of State for the Sea Pedro do Ó Ramos experienced the result of the work in the first person, last Friday.
The intervention between Alcoutim and the Guadiana International Bridge included the regulation of 5000 cubic meters of land, at the bottom of the river, and the placement of 100 navigation beacons with lanterns and targets. This intervention was under the responsibility of DGRM – General Directorate of Natural Resources, Security and Maritime Services. Downstream from the bridge, the restoration works were under the responsibility of APPA, a Spanish authority.
The “Portuguese” work cost 600 thousand euros and was completed in 45 days, 25% of which was funded by the Portuguese State, with the remaining amount financed by the European Program for Cross-border Cooperation Spain – Portugal (POCTEP).
This intervention now allows the safe circulation of vessels 70 meters in length, 1,80 meters in draft and 1,20 meters in breadth, which corresponds to the dimensions of the maritime-tourists.
DGRM director general, Miguel Sequeira, during the voyage aboard the Peninsular ship, explained that “this river has been navigable since human occupation. It was widely used during the XNUMXth century during mining [S. Domingos Mine], then it disappeared and the river was left to its own devices. This is a recovery attempt to provide better security conditions.
On the trip between Alcoutim and Vila Real de Santo António, in addition to the Secretary of State for the Sea, the mayors of Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António, or David Santos, president of CCDR Algarve, were also present. The presence of Spanish officials was also expected, since this is a project from both countries, but no one showed up.
David Santos criticized this absence. “It was important that the Spanish officials were here. But because it was Friday afternoon, and the services were closed at that time, they didn't come».
The CCDR official recalled that “when the Eurocity was established, I spoke about the need to dredge this river. The first part, the Spaniards made to the mouth. Now this phase B is complete. For the CCDR, having a river like this will develop economic activities on both sides of the border».
The mayor of Castro Marim agreed with David Santos and praised his role in the realization of this work. «I feel great joy for this important moment. I was born on this river and took several night walks, and I know it was extremely dangerous to sail here. This most important work has been required for many years. And the president of CCDR was the engine and soul of this work. This work generates economic development and will increasingly benefit this area. We now hope that everything possible is done so that the silting up to Mértola can be done», asked the mayor.
Desilting up to Mértola will be the third phase of the work. The second phase, whose application for European funds will have to be delivered in the next few days, foresees an intervention up to Pomarão. The third phase, up to Mértola, is the most complicated part of the work and will have to be a national project, not an Iberian one. In this part of the river, the bottom is rocky, which requires a larger investment.
Luís Gomes, Mayor of Vila Real de Santo António, highlighted “the historic moment” and thanked the Government that “after 30 years of promises, these works were made. The works make history, the words, the wind carries them».
The mayor considered that the work will contribute «so that we are able to put projects to work around the Guadiana, of development and that contribute to the fight against desertification. The Guadiana is the highway that connects the coast to the interior of the Algarve».
Thanks to the Government of Luís Gomes was received by the Secretary of State, but Pedro do Ó Ramos clarified that he does not have “merit in the work, but I represent the Government. The minister [Asunción Cristas] could not come, and I am very proud to be here».
For the government official, this work is now «a challenge for the local authorities, an opportunity to make the populations effective. It is also important to develop nautical tourism, and to attract more people. It is a work that will make a difference for local authorities and populations. It is an anchor for the development of this region».
Once this work has been completed and inaugurated, Pedro do Ó Ramos says that «this dream does not end here» and that «we are now going to the second phase [up to Pomarão], and until Mértola we will also achieve it».
Member of a government that may be leaving, Pedro do Ó Ramos, should no longer be in office when the intervention to Pomarão is inaugurated, but «being in the functions in which I will be in a while, I make myself invited to be at the inauguration of the second phase'.
The trip that started in Alcoutim lasted about 4 hours, but the Secretary of State “abandoned the ship” in the middle of the trip, just like the mayors. Even so, Pedro do Ó Ramos could see the usefulness of the signaling beacons, since it was deep night when the Peninsular stopped at Guerreiros do Rio, for its departure.
Hours later, the Guadiana bridge was sighted and the ship was able to benefit from the interventions made by the Spanish authorities, valued at 850 euros, which returned a minimum depth of 3,5 meters to the mouth of the river. However, as it was Friday afternoon, no one could thank the Spanish officials for this intervention.
See here the photos of the visit and descent of the Guadiana authored by Martyna Mazurek.
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