Calls for Action: Unresolved Closure of Pousada dos Vinháticos
Madeira GuideThe PS-Madeira demands government explanations for the prolonged closure of the Pousada dos Vinháticos, a historic estate in Serra de Água, citing neglect of public heritage and financial loss.
The Partido Socialista (PS) of Madeira is pressing the regional government for answers regarding the continued closure of the Pousada dos Vinháticos, a historic estate located in the picturesque Serra de Água. The property has remained shut down four years after its concession, sparking concerns over the neglect of public heritage and financial implications for the taxpayer.
In a recent press conference, Célia Pessegueiro, the president of PS-Madeira, criticized the regional government for not holding the concessionaire accountable. The contract, signed in 2022, allowed for a 20-year concession with a four-year grace period intended for renovations. However, no renovations or efforts to reopen the facility have been observed.
Pessegueiro highlighted that the lack of action not only results in the deterioration of the property but also represents a financial burden, as the government has neither collected rent nor terminated the contract to find a new operator. She urged the government to cancel the current agreement and re-tender the property to prevent further decay.
The Pousada dos Vinháticos was expected to be transformed into a hotel with up to 40 rooms, enhancing local tourism and preserving cultural heritage. The failure to initiate any development has led to public frustration and calls for immediate governmental intervention.
Local residents and tourists alike have expressed disappointment over the unfulfilled potential of the Pousada, which is renowned for its scenic beauty and historical value. The situation underscores the need for efficient management of public assets to boost the local economy and tourism sector.
Sources

Madeira Guide
Author