Today, the Mayor of Porto Santo, Nuno Batista, criticized the regional government for what he considers to be a blatant disregard for Porto Santo’s Christmas lights.
“This year, I cannot fail to apologize to all the citizens of Porto Santo, and to all those who visit us this Christmas season, for the poor lighting on our island. I have already said it and I say it again, that we are not a poor relation of Madeira, nor inferior to any municipality in our Region, and for that reason cannot understand the disdain shown to us regarding our seasonal illuminations.”
He even considers that the “chronically bad lighting may affect tourism and weaken the island’s economy over this important time.”
He further assures that he has contacted the relevenat people to discuss his dismay and try and remedy the situation. “The Municipality tried in various ways to prevent this situation from happening, alerting the Government and those responsible for the poor lighting that we observed during its installation and in the face of the various complaints from our citizens. We waited for today, hoping that a solution would be found.”
In conclusion, he reiterated his apologies. “In view of these facts, as President of this Municipality and representative of all Porto Santo residents, I again reinforce the request for forgiveness, and ask that those responsible will reflect on their decisions and the impact these lights will have on our population.”
Responding to the allegations, the Regional Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Culture said today that the process of installing the illuminations in Porto Santo should be completed “during this week” and, in response to criticism from the Mayor of Porto Santo, stating that everything was in hand and he did not have to interfere or create a fuss.”
Later, Eduardo Jesus acknowledged that “there were some difficulties related to the supply of lights available, it is a time when everyone is in the market to acquire and, therefore, it is natural that some of our original ideas sell out faster and others take a little longer to arrive.” And these difficulties have led to the current solution installed in Porto Santo “not being exactly the definitive one,” he acknowledged.
But Eduardo Jesus also said that Nuno Batista was aware of everything. “This circumstance was detected as soon as the installation started and that his office had been in constant contact with the Porto Santo City Council, seeking to find solutions that would minimise” the problem.”
“The installation company was able to overcome some of the difficulties, having transported to Porto Santo, in time to install today, a set of lights however, the rain made installation difficult. However, the new lights will reflect our commitment to the island.”
But, he promised, the situation will be resolved in the coming days.
Don’t forget the tender for the Christmas lighting was only agreed three weeks ago, which has meant that all the companies involved have been scrabbling about to get the illuminations up in time.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
