In an open letter addressed to the Ministry of Environment and Energy, Fernando Camelo Almeida – who was elected by CDS-PP but has since disassociated from the party – justifies his position with the recent announcement of works in Figueira da Foz and the absence of measures for Ovar, which the scientific community points out as one of the regions in Europe where sea advancement is most concerning.
Referring specifically to the critical situation of the beaches of Furadouro, Maceda, and Ovar, the Ovar deputy tells Maria da Graça Carvalho: “The measures planned for our beaches are too late and only concern works to reinforce coastal protection, while still lacking a commitment from the Government for a fundamental intervention to truly combat sea advancement.”
Confessing to be “surprised by the minister’s announcement regarding a 28 million euro investment in Figueira da Foz,” Fernando Camelo Almeida explains: “I expected that, simultaneously, the intervention so eagerly awaited by all Ovar residents for the beaches of Ovar municipality would be announced.”
The Municipal Assembly deputy emphasizes that, without state intervention, the problem of the Maceda pine forest landfill “could result in an environmental disaster,” as this dump is buried at the top of a cliff that loses trees and soil to the force of waves every year, and the buried waste may end up exposed on the beach.
“This problem has been dragging on for a long time, with electoral promises from successive governments, but without any solution. Meanwhile, the sea has been advancing very rapidly, and the sand has been disappearing, putting people and property at risk, and causing harmful effects on the local economy,” states Fernando Camelo Almeida.
The deputy thus questions Maria da Graça Carvalho about her plans for “a fundamental intervention on Ovar’s beaches that is not limited to just coastal protection” and asks the minister for “concrete information.”
“Here in Ovar, we are already tired of being deceived by various governments, and at this moment, we only want concrete answers to our biggest problem. I have nothing against the investment announced for Figueira da Foz, but I cannot understand how it is possible to have left the Municipality of Ovar out,” concludes the local elected official.
Lusa contacted the Ministry of Environment, requesting comments on the letter and indication of planned interventions to halt coastal erosion in Ovar, but received no response.
