Mayor José Carlos Gonçalves announced during a formal ceremony marking the 282nd anniversary of the Municipality of São Vicente that the new administration of NaturNorte is working towards reopening the São Vicente Caves.
In a speech reviewing the first ten months of his administration and outlining plans for the coming years, the mayor identified the restoration of the caves as one of the municipal company’s priorities.
Although no reopening date was announced, José Carlos Gonçalves emphasised the importance of restoring one of the municipality’s most significant natural attractions. “The caves represent a natural and tourism heritage of enormous importance to our municipality, and we want to see them valued once again and serving São Vicente,” he said.
The mayor also announced approximately €4.42 million of planned investment in water supplies and sanitation, areas that have been at the centre of considerable political criticism and public debate within the municipality. An intervention in the water-supply and wastewater networks serving Lameiro, Feiteiral and Terra Chã is planned, costing approximately €1.9 million.
Preparations are also under way for the renovation of the water-supply network in Ginjas and Fajã das Covas, representing an investment of more than €2 million.
“We are working to find solutions to a problem that requires investment, planning and responsibility,” the mayor said.
Further sanitation improvements are being prepared at the São Vicente pumping station and the wastewater treatment plants in São Vicente and Boaventura. This work is expected to cost approximately €520,000.
Together, the announced investments in water supplies and sanitation amount to around €4.42 million.
“These are significant investments, but they are necessary,” José Carlos Gonçalves said, arguing that sustainable development must be reflected in practical measures. “Sustainable development means guaranteeing essential services, preserving our resources, protecting the territory and creating better living conditions for present and future generations,” he added.
The mayor used the anniversary celebrations to reaffirm the strategy adopted when his administration took office ten months ago: making São Vicente a more attractive place in which to live, work and invest, while creating the conditions needed to retain its population. José Carlos Gonçalves said he wanted “a municipality that is not merely a place people pass through, but somewhere worth staying.”
He said this objective involved creating opportunities for young people, improving support for older residents and recognising the contribution made by farmers, traders, business owners, workers, associations and local institutions.
The mayor also addressed São Vicente residents living abroad, particularly the community in Venezuela and the difficulties its members continue to face. A further municipal visit to Venezuela is reportedly planned for November. He further acknowledged that ten months had not been enough to implement his administration’s entire programme.
“We know that not everything will be done tomorrow. We know there will be difficulties,” he admitted, while also recognising the legitimacy of political and public scrutiny. “Those who hold public office are subject to the scrutiny, criticism and demands of citizens, and that is how it should be.”
He promised that the municipal administration would continue “to work, listen, correct what is necessary and find solutions,” while maintaining its central priority of serving São Vicente and its residents.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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