Wherever he goes, whatever he says, environment minister João Pedro Matos Fernandes seems to upset almost everybody. This time it could be said that he has “insulted” the entire city of Faro. At least, that’s how political opponents see the results of his visit to the region to “assess” the damage brought by two tornados and accompanying storms.
Council estimates put the value of damages at around €7 million (click here) – but as far as Matos Fernandes is concerned, the government will only be able to see its way to helping out with €250,000.
PSD/ Faro has responded in a statement that this is just not good enough.
“The government either doesn’t know or doesn’t want to interpret the words of the highest magistrate in the land”, says the party’s statement – referring to the recent visit to Faro by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa where the Head of State agreed “exceptional measures” were needed to redress the damage (click here).
Indeed, the government appears to be showing “total disinterest and even disrespect” for Algarvians in general and the citizens of Faro in particular.
As for Matos Fernandes – the man who has disappointed Ria Formosa islanders and environmentalists battling to keep the Tejo free of pollution (not to mention radioactivity click here) – “eleven days after the disaster, he arrived good humoured and in apparent mufti” offering just “small change”, and otherwise “exhorting” the council to carry out the repairs it deems necessary “as quickly as possible”, assuring that it will be reimbursed from the Environmental Fund somewhere further down the line.
His “financial envelope”, as PSD opponents refer to the offer of €250,000 to repair walkways over the dunes, is “ridiculous and insulting” and completely ignores the need to shore them up as a result of all the wave-damage.
“Between pats on backs, the government has preferred to wash its hands like Pontius Pilate”, leaving Faro taxpayers with the ominous tab, says the statement.
“In the face of such a dismal response, Faro PSD can do nothing less than publicly express its outrage”, the party continues – also criticising measures promised by housing minister Ana Pinho which, it says, fall far too short of immediate requirements.
A year before legislative elections and the government’s cuts in public investment are already being cited at every available turn. But what Faro PSD hadn’t bargained for, says the statement, is that the executive’s “sense of solidarity and decency” would fall so low.
natasha.donn@algarveresident.com
