“It is with great surprise that we see this reaction from the Port of Lisbon,” stated Inês de Medeiros in remarks.
The Almada City Council, in the district of Setúbal, decided today to prohibit access to the Ginjal quay until May 1, due to the extreme state of degradation. This restriction applies to the area from the vicinity of the Cacilhas ferry terminal to the restaurants located at Olho de Boi.
The council also informed the building owners and the Administration of the Port of Lisbon (APL) about the need for renovations. However, the APL responded, stating it is not within their jurisdiction to intervene at the Ginjal quay, asserting that the responsibility lies with the local government and private property owners.
“We are dealing with the rehabilitation of the riverbank in an urban area, which, according to Article 34, number 2, of Law No. 58/2005, dated December 29, falls under the responsibility of the Almada municipality. Additionally, regarding the refurbishment of adjacent building facades, which pose a similar risk, it is the responsibility of the property owners,” the APL noted.
The mayor argues that this contradicts the previous stance of the Port of Lisbon Administration, which had participated in a site visit with local officials before the ban was imposed. She believes the APL is misinterpreting the situation.
“The issue at hand is about civil protection. Period. The prohibition was announced today following a visit with our experts and the APL. They are expected to propose a solution by the end of the week to prevent the closure from being extended,” she stated, expressing her astonishment at the APL’s current response.
When asked about the area’s degradation, the APL explained that “even though the area in question falls under port jurisdiction, it is not considered maritime public domain,” according to Opinions from the Public Domain Commission numbers 1884, dated May 11, 1954, and 2051, dated July 26, 1955.
The APL clarified that its duties involve “managing, licensing, and supervising the public domain assets under its care,” as stipulated by Decree-Law No. 336/98, dated November 3, and Law No. 58/2005, dated December 29.
“Indeed, the Ginjal quay, including the southern roadway and wall, is private property, albeit with a public use easement. Therefore, the necessary interventions do not fall within the remit of this Port Authority,” they highlighted.
Inês de Medeiros disagrees with this interpretation, insisting that responsibilities and competencies should not be subject to constant reinterpretation.
“They are responsible for maintaining and conserving port infrastructures,” she stated, indicating that she expects them to present a report by Friday as agreed.
