The ADN – Madeira considers it a lack of respect for the people of Madeira and Porto Santo that the President of the Regional Government even considers the construction of additional golf courses in the Autonomous Region of Madeira to be a priority, to the detriment of greater investment in favour of the population and its needs.
In the same note, the candidate criticises Miguel Albuquerque for putting forward “the hypothesis that a helicopter is needed to move players from course to course, to the detriment of the promised firefighting helicopter.Â
We are well aware of who will use these golf courses and to whom they will be concessioned, as has been the case for years through the ‘Golden Visas.’ As always, foreign millionaires have invested in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, particularly in the real estate sector. Additionally, several oligarchs, exploiting the status of ‘pseudo-refugees’ of war, many with dual nationality (Ukraine/Russia), have also contributed to the ongoing ‘real estate bubble.’ This situation has made it nearly impossible for residents to afford to buy or rent homes in their own country. Miguel Pita, ADN.
The party leader also recounted statements made by the President of ARM – Waters and Waste from Madeira, who warned of the lack of water in case of new fires like last year’s, calling for the non-waste of this important natural resource.”
“A golf course involves using and wasting a lot of water to maintain the respective greens, as well as the creation of artificial lakes. Now, let’s imagine five golf courses in the Autonomous Region of Madeira and how much water is needed to maintain them. Furthermore, we have farmers desperate for irrigation water. It doesn’t take a genius to see how they will be affected.” Expounded Miguel Pita.
Golf courses can negatively affect the local environment, not just because of the large amounts of water they require, but also due to the heavy use of pesticides. I’ve noticed golf courses buzzing with bees one week, only to become eerily silent the next, as pesticides wipe out daisies and other low-growing weeds and the insects that feed from them.
They can also lead to habitat destruction and loss of ecosystems. However, efforts are being made to make golf courses more environmentally friendly and supportive of local wildlife and habitats.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
