Irrigation Water Shortage in Santa Cruz Sparks Political Debate
Madeira GuideThe Juntos Pelo Povo party accuses the public company ARM of suspending irrigation water services in Santa Cruz due to financial constraints and staffing shortages, affecting local farmers.
The political party Juntos Pelo Povo (JPP) has raised concerns over the suspension of irrigation water services to farmers in Santa Cruz, Madeira. The issue has been attributed to the public company Águas e Resíduos da Madeira (ARM), which allegedly halted the service due to a lack of financial resources and insufficient staff.
According to JPP's Secretary-General Élvio Sousa, farmers from various localities such as Moinhos, Levadas, Terça, Janeiro, and Santa Catarina reported the issue. Sousa personally visited the affected areas to verify these claims, confirming the suspension of the service.
The suspension has significant implications for local agriculture, as many farmers rely on these irrigation services to sustain their crops. Without water, their efforts over the past months, marked by hard work and no breaks, are jeopardized.
JPP emphasizes that the situation is critical for the agricultural community, which is already facing increased costs for fertilizers, water, and labor. The party argues that ARM's failure to manage and distribute water effectively is exacerbating the challenges faced by farmers.
ARM has yet to respond to these allegations. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between local farmers and public utility services, underscoring the need for effective resource management and support for Madeira's agricultural sector.
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Madeira Guide
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