Albufeira wants to avoid a repeat of 2015’s devastating floods
Albufeira municipal council has started major construction works aimed at reducing flooding risks in the lower areas of the town.
The €2 million project is considered a critical step to prevent the Albufeira and Inatel streams from flooding Albufeira’s downtown areas as they have in the past. In 2015, the town sustained damages upwards of €10 million due to floods – taking into account only those who were insured.
The works will focus on the construction of the ‘Coletor de Meia Encosta Poente’. Located in the Cerro Grande area, the new stormwater drainage system will channel water away from the lower parts of the town, with works taking place between Avenida do Ténis and the Coronel Águas lookout point. The system will include reinforced concrete collectors ranging from 800 to 1200 mm in diameter, designed to capture and dissipate surface runoff effectively.
To minimise disruptions, the work will be carried out in four phases over eight months. Each phase will focus on different sections of Avenida do Ténis and Rua Coronel Águas, with completion of the first – focusing on the north section of Avenida do Ténis – expected by November 30.
The project is part of a broader €21 million General Drainage Plan for Albufeira. This comprehensive plan includes the construction of a new tunnel, additional collectors, and water pipelines, along with completed works such as the Praça dos Pescadores pumping station and flood risk mitigation at Inatel.
Cited in a council press release, local mayor José Carlos Rolo the construction of the new stormwater drainage system aims to renovate the town’s existing infrastructure, which is “currently outdated”, particularly in the areas of water supply, sanitation, and public lighting, thus reducing water leaks and decreasing the risk of flooding and destruction in the lower parts of the town
“This is a critical and highly complex project with a significant impact on people and property, as well as potential changes to the natural environment, as seen in the floods of November 1, 2015, a situation we do not want to see repeated,” highlighted José Carlos Rolo, noting that while the construction works are certain to cause disruption to every-day life in Albufeira, these works are essential for the necessary improvements to the municipality’s development.
