Abandoned Scrap in Porto Santo Sparks Government Scrutiny
Madeira GuideThe Juntos Pelo Povo (JPP) party is calling on the government to address the issue of abandoned scrap in Porto Santo, a concern for both environmental and tourism sectors.
In a recent development, the political party Juntos Pelo Povo (JPP) has raised concerns about the growing issue of abandoned scrap, including automobiles and appliances, scattered across Porto Santo. This situation is deemed incongruous with the island's status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Carlos Silva, a deputy from JPP, has criticized the pervasive presence of discarded materials in public and private spaces, which he claims undermines Porto Santo's image as a tourist destination and poses environmental hazards.
Since its inclusion in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve network in October 2020, Porto Santo has been celebrated for its natural and cultural richness. However, Silva points out that the current state of neglect contradicts the island's prestigious designation.
"These environmental offenses jeopardize Porto Santo's tourist image," Silva stated, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
The abandoned scrap, some of which is in an advanced state of decay, contains hazardous materials like heavy metals, posing a public health risk. The matter has been acknowledged in local government meetings, where the role of the Regional Directorate of Environment has been questioned.
In response to these concerns, JPP has formally requested a parliamentary hearing with the Secretary of Tourism, Environment, and Culture to discuss the root causes of the problem and the government's strategy to mitigate it.
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Madeira Guide
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