The second helicopter promised to strengthen Madeira’s firefighting capacity will not arrive this summer.
Miguel Albuquerque confirmed this morning that the process is still awaiting the signature of the Minister of National Defence before the Portuguese Air Force can proceed with the tender.
“We signed the protocols in July. At the moment, the documents are with the office of the Minister of National Defence, awaiting approval for the Air Force to launch the tender,” he explained.
Asked whether the aircraft could still arrive this summer, Albuquerque acknowledged that this would no longer be possible.
However, the President of the Regional Government played down the importance of the summer deadline, noting that Madeira has extended its official period of heightened fire risk until November.
“I want it to arrive. Whether or not that happens during the summer is another matter. We have extended the fire-risk period until November, so if it arrives by November, I have no problem with that,” he said.
Albuquerque recalled that the matter had been discussed directly with the Prime Minister and that the protocol had been forwarded before the summer. He maintained that the Regional Government had completed its part of the process in July.
“Everything is ready for the tender to be launched. I believe the Minister of National Defence will sign it,” he added.
The delay means that the promised additional helicopter will not be available during the months traditionally considered the most critical for wildfires in Madeira.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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