Five-million Euro recovery works to provide Madalena Port with enhanced protection conditions, says Vasco Cordeiro
The President of the Government began today the statutory visit to the island of Pico, where he became better acquainted with the completion of the recovery works of Madalena commercial port. On the occasion, he highlighted the investment of approximately 26 million Euros in this infrastructure over the last 10 years.
"We are talking about a port infrastructure of paramount importance, and for that reason we have invested more than 26 million Euros over the last 10 years in several works, including this intervention that has been recently completed," said Vasco Cordeiro.
On February 27 and 28, 2017, a storm caused significant damage in this port, namely in the protective mantles of the outer portion of the breakwater, in the quay pavements and in the technical networks. However, major damage occurred with the collapse of a section of the curtain wall of the commercial wharf, "dismantling" a section of about 70 metres long.
According to the President of the Government, the recently completed reconstruction, an investment of more than five million Euros, not only restored the situation as it was before the storm, but also reinforced the protection conditions of this port. "It is of fundamental importance for maritime traffic, especially between the islands of Faial and Pico."
"We have completed this work, but we have already planned, for example, an intervention for the recovery of damages in Lajes das Flores with an estimated budget of 10 million Euros, whose project is in the final phase," stressed Vasco Cordeiro. In this context, he emphasised the relevance of Azorean ports in terms of maritime accessibility for all islands.
There are several investments already completed, in progress or due to start "throughout the Region," namely on the islands of Corvo, Flores, São Jorge, Faial, Pico, Terceira and São Miguel, the President of the Government said, adding that "they intend to provide a complete, adequate and efficient response to the needs of our archipelago."