This week, local newspaper JM reported that alcoholism, drug addiction and begging are becoming a problem at Largo do Phelps, in Funchal. As a result local traders are upset and indignant at the “degrading” situation they say they are “forced” to watch every day, from morning to night.
The stone benches, recently installed at the site, are used as sleeping places and bathrooms by many of the islands homeless, alcoholics and drug addicts, who, many say, wander around the city and use the place as a makeshift shelter.
There has been a significant rise in the number of complaints with regards to begging and drug addicts on the city’s streets over the recent months.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
