The PS Parliamentary Group will file a request for a parliamentary hearing with the Regional Secretary for the Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Susana Prada, in the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, with a view to finding out the whole truth about the asbestos found buried at the Ginjas site, in São Vicente.
This morning, Helena Freitas, PS-M candidate for the presidency of the São Vicente City Council, was at the Ginjas site, to express her concern in relation to the situation which she classifies as an “extremely serious situation, due to the high toxicity of asbestos.”
Indignant and concerned she said, “given the amount of asbestos found, our first priority is to find out if the local populations health has been adversely affected. This incident is a clear failing by the local authority, and by the Regional Secretary for the Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, as the asbestos was not disposed of according to current legislation. And, we will take all the necessary measures to establish the truth, and demand the responsibility of those involved.”
In addition, Helena Freitas explained that the PS will demand that water, soil and air analysis are undertaken to find out the extent of the damage, both environmentally and socially.
Concluding, she categorically stated that it is necessary to take into account that asbestos can only be removed and treated by professionals, and anyone trying to move it without authorisation will be acting illegally. Moreover, she is determined that those involved in the illegal burying will be penalised both politically and legally.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
