FIVE COURTS across the Algarve will undergo refurbishment, and the addition of a new hearing room each, before the end of next year, however, the investment has not been met with everyone’s approval.
José Conde Rodrigues, Secretary of State of Justice, said: “This programme will reduce the waiting time for processes by half.”
A total of 20 million euros has been invested in the refurbishment programme, with 1.5 million being invested in the Algarve. Five courts in the region will benefit from the construction of new hearing rooms including Albufeira, Lagos, Olhão, Loulé and Tavira.
Faro court has already benefited from minor improvements this year, however, it is hoping for the promised judiciary campus, which will permit the long awaited Tribunal da Relação to be installed.
The country-wide refurbishment started at the beginning of 2007 and is due to last until 2009. During this time, 59 new hearing rooms will be built across courts in Portugal, 15 of which are already complete.
António Ventinhas, Procurator of Faro, from the Direcção do Sindicato dos Magistrados do Ministério Público, management of the syndicate of Magistrates of the Public Ministry, is not satisfied with the investment.
He explained that it is not adequate considering the district of Faro has the largest demographic growth and the largest crime rate in the country.
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