The Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz, visited Vila de Rei in the Castelo Branco district on Wednesday, October 23.
During his visit to what is known as the center of the country, Miguel Pinto Luz pointed out several improvements that should be made by the local municipality. The local mayor also presented a series of improvements he wished to see implemented in his region.
Following these requests, the local council decided to take immediate action. In approximately three hours, they responded to the minister’s appeal, challenging him to also demonstrate his efforts.
Visit and Appeals
The Minister of Infrastructure and Housing visited Vila de Rei as part of a tour through municipalities along the Estrada Nacional 2, aiming to assess the needs in the areas of mobility, housing, and territorial development, the municipality explained.
Upon his arrival at the Geodesic Center of Portugal, he was met by the local mayor, Paulo César Luís, who seized the opportunity to present some of the demands of the local population.
In response, the minister also proposed an improvement.
This took place during a visit to the Marco Central viewpoint on the Estrada Nacional 2, where Miguel Pinto Luz noted the lack of protection and decided to make an appeal, which he shared on social media.
“The fencing at the viewpoint where we observed and discussed several issues lacked additional protection. As a father of three, I am sensitive to the needs of young children!”, the minister wrote, calling for an extra board to be added to the fence to make the area safer for children.
Response from the Municipality
Aware of the need to reciprocate, the municipality promptly took action, complying with the request of the Infrastructure Minister on the same day. According to Vila de Rei’s mayor speaking to Notícias ao Minuto, it took just three hours to add an extra board at the viewpoint.
The swift action of the municipality earned praise from the minister, who not only thanked them but also stated: “The authorities complied and swiftly in this case.”
However, the municipality seeks more than just an acknowledgment.
“After requesting a series of improvements and support for the council, I was challenged by the Minister to make an improvement at our Marco Central viewpoint on Estrada Nacional 2. From our side, it is done. We await the Minister’s response.”, is noted on Paulo César Luís’s Facebook post.
The municipality’s prompt action not only received praise but also highlighted local collaboration.
“It’s impossible to remain indifferent to those who do so much for the community. It is always a pride to see the growth and promotion of the center of Portugal,” comments on social media posts highlighted, stating that this case exemplifies “the effectiveness of central and local power.”
Vila de Rei’s Appeals
During the minister’s visit, the mayor raised several requests, including improvements in access to the villages of Silveira and Milriça, Bica da Milriça, and the Vila de Rei Hunting and Fishing Association, which also covers access to the new heliport currently in the project phase.
Paulo César also requested resolutions for constraints in rehabilitating the EN2 variant between Vila de Rei and Abrantes and the rehabilitation, paving, and signage of the ER348 between the Zêzere Bridge and Vila de Rei.
