Madeira's Supply Chain at Risk: Urgent Plea to Prime Minister
Madeira GuideMadeira's government leaders appeal to the Prime Minister to resolve a critical supply chain issue at Leixões port that could impact local residents and tourists.
In a bid to avert a looming supply chain crisis, the President of the Regional Government of Madeira, Miguel Albuquerque, along with José Manuel Rodrigues, the Regional Secretary for Economy, have made an urgent appeal to the Prime Minister of Portugal. The request seeks immediate intervention to resolve the ongoing disruptions at Leixões port, a critical hub for the region's imports.
As the year draws to a close, the island of Madeira faces potential shortages due to a breakdown in the loading and unloading operations at the port of Leixões. This port, essential for the delivery of goods to the Portuguese archipelagos, has been experiencing severe delays caused by the introduction of a new computer system.
Impact on Madeira's Economy and Residents
The disruption threatens the timely arrival of essential goods, posing a grave risk to both the local economy and the daily lives of Madeira's residents. With the festive season underway, any delay in the supply chain could lead to shortages of goods, impacting everything from local businesses to household preparations for the New Year.
José Manuel Rodrigues emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that if the current issues are not resolved by December 26th, severe logistical problems could ensue, affecting not just Madeira but also the Azores.
Government's Call for Action
In their communication to the Prime Minister, Albuquerque and Rodrigues have requested that priority be given to ships docking at Leixões and Lisbon, ensuring that containers destined for Madeira and the Azores are expedited. This measure is crucial to prevent economic disruptions and ensure that families and businesses are not adversely affected during this crucial time of year.
"The unimaginable situation at Leixões port is causing severe disruptions to our supply chains, something never before experienced in Madeira," Miguel Albuquerque stated, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the crisis.
The Regional Government's plea underscores the need for swift national intervention to restore normalcy and safeguard the island's supply chain, especially during this festive period.
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