The Mayor of Funchal considers it only Utopian states can put an end to homelessness. “No region of the world has all its problems solved. And Madeira is the same.”
Pedro Calado wants, however, to minimise the problem of homelessness, which corresponds to 0.05% of the Madeiran population. Critical of those who say that the problem is dramatic, the mayor admits that as long as there is a single case, it is already a cause for concern but stresses that the overwhelming majority of those on the streets do not go hungry or unsheltered. The point is, he said, is that drugs are forcing them to live precariously.
These words were said by Pedro Calado moments before the municipal council of Health and Welfare was installed. In the initiative, which was attended by the Regional Secretaries of Health and Civil Protection and Inclusion and Citizenship, Pedro Ramos and Ana Sousa, respectively, the Mayor asked those who are part of what is already the fourth municipal council to help the city council find ways to minimise the problem. Councilwoman Helena Leal, who presides over this municipal council took to the floor, stating that the municipal council will always be in line with the Government’s homeless programme.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
