Work on the fishing port of Baleeira will start "in mid-August"

It is "a light at the end of the tunnel" and "great news" for those who work at the fishing port of Baleeira, in Sagres (Vila do Bispo). The contract for the rehabilitation of the dock-south bridge was signed this Tuesday, 13 July, and the work on the land should start "in mid-August". 

This was an old desire of the fishing community, as it is an infrastructure built around 40 years ago, and now finally going to come true.

The work, promoted by Docapesca, will cost around 982 euros and includes the repair of pipes, rehabilitation of the superstructure, removal of dock accessories and other equipment and repair of the foundation of the jetty.

In statements to the Sul Informação, after the signing of the consignment act that took place at the old auction in Sagres, Sérgio Faias, president of Docapesca, recalled how the work was «long desired».

"It took longer than expected, we made some adjustments, but, at the moment, we are able to start the project", he said.

The work was divided into two phases – the first, which will start in August, will be focused on “rehabilitating infrastructure, with the pillars and the platform of the pier being replaced”, said Sérgio Faias.

As for the second phase, budgeted at 430 thousand euros, it will later include the «electrical equipment and networks to guarantee all safety conditions».

In the opinion of Rute Silva, mayor of Vila do Bispo, the progress of this endeavor is “excellent news”.

«It will undoubtedly be an asset for the Fishing Port of Baleeira. This is thus a light at the end of the tunnel for those who work here and need the best working conditions and safety», he considered to our newspaper.

Also present at the session, Ricardo Serrão Santos, Minister of the Sea, welcomed «the signing of the protocol that will allow for the rehabilitation of the south pier bridge here at Porto da Baleeira».

"This is an investment that contributes to one of the main objectives of the Ministry of the Sea: the promotion and improvement of the safety and operational conditions of the fishing port infrastructure", he considered.

The official also referred to the importance of the fishing community having been "always involved in solving the problem".

"This is how it should be: the port authority must find the best solutions with associations, organizations and municipalities", concluded Ricardo Serrão Santos.