PS questions sand and dune works on Porto Santo beach
Madeira GuideThe Socialist Party wants the regional government to explain the timing, method and environmental impact of the harbour dredging and beach sand recharge on Porto Santo.
Dredging of the sheltered harbour, sand recharge and dune reconstruction are under way on the beach of Porto Santo. PS deputy SĂlvia Silva has filed a request for clarification in the Legislative Assembly addressed to Eduardo Jesus, the regional secretary for Tourism, Environment and Culture.
The PS says the lack of information about the works is causing concern among residents. It says it shares the goals of the Life Dunas and Praia Sustentável projects and accepts the need to prevent coastal erosion, but questions the planning, the timing and the environmental impact.
The party asks whether the timing rests on technical criteria or on budget availability, citing an official note that the operation was adjusted to the contractor's availability. This year the sand is being placed directly on the dry beach. In 2017 the sediment from the harbour went underwater and the currents moved it onto the beach.
According to DN Madeira and Funchal NotĂcias, the last dredging of the harbour took place in 2017/2018. The PS says sand placed at this time of year can easily be washed away by the sea. Residents have also complained about litter in the sand spread in front of the Parque Urbano, and the party asks when the plastics will be collected and why the sand was not mechanically screened first.
The Life Dunas project was due to finish in September 2025, and the dune reconstruction is taking place in November 2026. The PS also asks how many plants are planned for the new dune at Calheta and how they will be kept alive.
Sources
Madeira Guide
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