The Government recognized the relevant public interest (RIP) in the construction of the Centro de Means Aéreos de Cachopo, which has already begun and should be completed “in the first days of July”.
In statements to the Sul Informação, Ana Paula Martins, mayor of Tavira, explained that the work started in January and that this recognition unlocked questions «related to the terrain».
«A part of the land had to have this recognition because it had an urbanization plan and a different destination», he added.
Second had already revealed the mayor to our newspaper, the work will allow not only to renovate the runway and create a support infrastructure, but also to build permanent accommodation for the civil protection agents who are stationed there, who currently «are housed in containers».
The project envisages the construction of a two-story building. On the top floor, which leads directly to the runway, an “operational area will be installed, with a communication room and a space for equipment”.
On the lower floor, “a female dormitory with three beds and another male dormitory with eight beds” will be installed, as well as “a living room with kitchen and dining space and a multipurpose space, where training can be given”.
The work, which also provides for "the expansion of water distribution and wastewater drainage networks and the paving of the access road", has an execution period of 180 days and an estimated cost of 2,5 million euros, which will have co-funding from the Interreg VA Spain – Portugal Cross-border Cooperation Programme.
«Every year, we have the helicopter operating from Cachopo for part of the year, within the scope of the Forest Fire Fighting Device», explained Ana Paula Martins.
The operatives of the Civil Protection and the Emergency Protection and Relief Unit [the new name of the GIPS] of the GNR deployed to this locality in the municipality of Tavira, in the phases of greatest fire risk, until now had to use temporary facilities.
With these works, they have all the necessary conditions.
More than creating an infrastructure to operate at full capacity for a few months, the mayor of Tavira hopes that this helicopter will also be parked in Cachopo «all year round».
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