The need to improve the conditions of the Port of Portimão, namely to create an area for adequate control and inspection of the entry and exit of passengers, and the need to strengthen the security forces, in particular the SEF, GNR, PSP and Tax Authority may question the ferry connection between Portimão and Tangier, that was scheduled for this summer, go forward the Público newspaper this Sunday.
According to Público, «these working conditions requirements for the opening of the new route are based on the fact that the Portuguese authorities, namely the SEF, consider that the new route constitutes a weakness for the internal security of the country and Europe, having taking into account the problems that already exist with possible drug and human trafficking networks'.
A source linked to the process cited by the newspaper even says that the Port of Portimão "is nothing more than a shack" and that "only the SEF would need triple the number of staff it currently has in the Algarve, which should not even reach 50".
According to the newspaper, it would be necessary to install "surveillance cameras, control boxes to check passports, computer equipment" and create rest rooms and for medical services.
Although the Moroccan government announced its intention to launch this new maritime link at the beginning of July, now, Público writes, «with the month of August already in sight, the new route has still not passed the intentions. And on the Portuguese Government's side there is no date for the opening of the new line, nor an explanation for this impasse».
Heard by the newspaper, Isilda Gomes, mayor of Portimão, said that "for more than three weeks there has been no news from the Government about this process", and, she also says, the project "lost interest".
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