The dredging works that are taking place in the Arade basin have caused, for about three weeks, sleepless nights to the residents of Ferragudo due to the noise caused by the dredger, which has been working both during the day and at night. However, the Administration of the Ports of Sines and Algarve (APS) assured our newspaper that measures had already been taken to reduce the inconvenience.
Carlos Viela, one of the affected residents, told the Sul Informação that “several weeks ago, I started to hear a constant noise during the night. I didn't even realize right away that it was provoked by the dredge. It took me days to understand where the sound was coming from».
When he proved that the noise was caused by the dredging, as can be seen (and heard) in the video below, Carlos Viela contacted the Maritime Police to expose the situation, on February 19, after several sleepless nights.
“I was told that more people had already done it when I went to talk to the Maritime Police,” he told our newspaper.
However, like the Sul Informação confirmed with Rodrigo González dos Paços, captain of the Port of Portimão, the Maritime Police has no jurisdiction in this case, since the works are duly authorized.
«We can receive the complaints, but then we forward them to the Administration of the Ports of Sines and Algarve, which is responsible for the work, which is licensed», explained the person in charge.
After becoming aware of this fact, Carlos Viela also contacted APS, which guaranteed a response within a maximum of 30 days. He also contacted the media, including the Sul Informação.
In a clarification sent to our newspaper, APS emphasizes that, «with regard to the discontent that has been expressed by some residents of Ferragudo, in relation to the noise caused by the dredging operations taking place in the Arade River, namely during the period night, it should be noted that the Work Plan includes the dredging equipment that must comply with European environmental requirements».
Even so, "following some complaints, the APS warned the contractor of the situation, and he took the appropriate actions to assess and take the necessary measures to reduce night noise during the course of the work", which should end in the the 7th of March.
These measures, according to Carlos Viela, were even taken. "Last Wednesday, a technician from the company came to my house, where he verified that the noise was annoying."
Since that night, the noise has decreased and the residents of Ferragudo can now sleep more rested.
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