The RIR (React Include Recycle) Madeira party today expressed its “indignation” at the current conditions in which the maritime connections between Madeira and Porto Santo are being carried out.
“It is from a total lack of respect on the part of the operator and with the connivance of the Regional Government, to the residents of our archipelago,” said the regional coordinator of the RIR, Liana Reis, in a press release.
At issue is the malfunction in one of the four turbines of the ‘Lobo Marinho’, which has caused delays in the inter-island trip. However, it should be noted that this in no way affects the safety of the passengers.
In a statement, Liana Reis says:
“For almost 2 months travelling conditions between the two islands have been comprimised due to maintenance works, breakdowns and bad weather. And now it takes almost half as long again to travel because one the the turbines is not working effectively. This is not good enough!”
The party leader also questions why the company responsible for this maritime connection did not ask for the replacement of the ship and, demands that the Regional Government takes accountability of the continued delays and problems. Furthermore, the people of Madeira and Porto Santo must have access to decent maritime connections, that are punctual and compatible with the economic and social importance that this connection represents for the development of our archipelago.
Local newspaper, DIÁRIO has learned, that from the 29th of March the Porto Santo Line has been working on fixing the propulsion problems. At the moment the trip between the two islands is three hours instead of the usual two hours and fifteen minutes. The operator does guarantee that all passengers are informed of this.
The Porto Santo Line further add that they hope that tomorrow they will be able to resolve the ships technical issues.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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