Vítor Guerreiro, mayor of São Brás de Alportel, announced this Monday, 23 October, at the inauguration for a new municipal mandate, which has the commitment, on the part of the Government, that the requalification of the EN2 section which connects São Brás de Alportel to Via do Infante (A22) is “to run until the end of the legislature”.
According to the socialist mayor, the guarantee was given by Pedro Marques, Minister of Planning and Infrastructure, and will be “to be put in the State Budget next year”.
This work is an old desire, being "fundamental for São Brás", as it helps "to attract investment for the county", he added.
«We are close to Faro and from the Airport, but we have six kilometers of curves, with a route that is more than 50 years old, which is not understandable», considered Vítor Guerreiro. The idea is, therefore, to follow a plan suggested by the municipality itself.
The works include the requalification of the current route, making a slow track before and after the Machados site, but also a roundabout, at the current intersection for São Brás de Alportel and Estoi, whose construction tender has already been launched.
In this inauguration for the 2017-2021 mandate, which began with a minute of silence in memory of the victims of fires in the Center and North of the country, the Mayor of São Brás also announced the «commitment to prioritize and strengthen Civil Protection », in a municipality that, even in 2012, was devastated by the drama of fires.
"We are going to continue with all the necessary investments in the defense of the forest and in the security of our populations", he said, referring to the process, already underway, for the constitution of two more Forest Intervention Zones.
One of the objectives of this commitment is also the «constitution of a team of Sapadores Florestais», for which there is already equipment and a vehicle.
And the projects don't stop there. "We are fighting for the creation of a large dam and the creation of a biomass station, which will make it possible to clean the forest," he added.
As for the project of the dam, located in Monte da Ribeira, it is «determinant in the preparation of fire fighting, in feeding underground aquifers, in irrigation, but also in terms of tourism», he considered.
The idea is to put the subject "on the agenda", since the project has been in existence since 1982. "I've already had a meeting with the Secretary of State for Forests in this regard," said Vítor Guerreiro.
For the mayor, «the Serra do Caldeirão is our lung: a treasure that we have to defend and value with a strategy of attractiveness to people and investment».
In his inauguration speech, Vítor Guerreiro said that the Social Charter and the project “Accessibilities for all” will be fundamental “in the course of this mandate”. Education and “support for families” will also be the “basis of municipal work”, not least because this is the “most important investment in building the future”.
The president of the Chamber also announced that he will "strengthen partnerships with local associations and entities, with the development of our land as a horizon."
As for the program for the development of monuments, “it is essential” to continue it, “along with tourist promotion strategies”. "We will continue to invest in sports infrastructure and inclusive mobility," he added.
Basically, the objective is to invest in "areas that are essential for the population's quality of life." For this reason, there are also priorities to beautify green spaces or bet on the highest quality of offer for extracurricular activities.
As for works, in addition to the one announced on the EN2, Vítor Guerreiro, in a conversation with journalists after taking office, announced the project for the redevelopment of Avenida da Liberdade and Rua Gago Goutinho, the creation of a main road that will connect São Brás the mountainous area (from Bico Alto to Cabeça do Velho), and a connection at Sítio dos Juncais, near Alportel, to Almarjão, in the municipality of Loulé.
Even so, Vítor Guerreiro, with his eyes on the audience that filled the Cineteatro São Brás de Alportel, made a point of saying that «a smile on the face of a São Brásense is always the most important work». “People will always be at the center of the most important decisions. I always defend a policy of proximity, sharing and dialogue».
At the ceremony, which had a musical moment in charge of Tuula Kähkonnen, Marlene Guerreiro (PS), Bruno Sousa Costa (São Brás de Alportel Primeira coalition – PPD/PSD, CDS-PP; MPT and PPM), Acácio Martins (PS) and David Gonçalves, also PS, took office as councilors.
The Socialist Party therefore has a majority in the City Council, but Vítor Guerreiro considered that “the party disputes ended on 1 October. Now is the time to build bridges of understanding for serious work that defends the real interests and needs of São Brás de Alportel and the people of São Brás».
"I will exercise the leadership of the City Council in a spirit of dialogue and cooperation with all elected members," he added.
In the Municipal Assembly there was no news either: Ulisses Brito (PS) was reinstated, with 9 votes in favor and 6 whites.
In conclusion, Vítor Guerreiro concluded: «the commitment I assume is always to defend the best interests of our municipality and our people with the Government and competent entities, regardless of the political colors. With this great team, we will transform difficulties into new opportunities».
Photos: Pedro Lemos | Sul Informação
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