The President of the Regional Government has acknowledged the possibility of financially supporting a project to reopen the São Vicente Caves, but noted that decisions will only be made after the evaluation by the Regional Civil Engineering Laboratory (LREC) is completed.
On the sidelines of a visit to a vineyard, Terrabona Nature & Vineyards, in Boaventura, Miguel Albuquerque was asked about a request from the Chamber of São Vicente to the Regional Executive regarding the reopening of the Caves.
Without committing himself, Albuquerque stressed that the LREC’s report is still pending. While he expressed his openness, he would only support a project that guarantees “maximum security.”
“We cannot open the caves without certification from the Regional Laboratory of Civil Engineering. This report, according to the latest information I have, is being done,” he said, adding that, once the caves have been certified, the Executive will be available to carry out consolidation works, if necessary.
Miguel Albuquerque said that “there is no problem opening the caves,” but reinforced that it is necessary to “make sure that the caves are only opened under strict safety conditions.”
“The caves generate enough revenue to justify any investment made. They are a great attraction. Not just to São Vicente, but the region,” he concluded.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
