A statement from the district of Bragança’s municipality confirmed the reopening of Praia da Fraga da Pegada for swimming, following a counter-analysis that overturned the initial prohibition due to alleged biological contamination. Swimming had been banned since Wednesday.
Benjamin Rodrigues, Mayor of Macedo de Cavaleiros, highlighted the possibility of a technical error. “The counter-analysis supports this viewpoint, but the dissatisfaction with the resulting damages is not remedied by simply lifting the ban,” he emphasized.
Rodrigues indicated this is not an isolated incident, referencing a similar occurrence in 2024 that also led to a prohibition, affecting local businesses.
“We faced a comparable situation last year, causing significant issues for swimmers, tourists, and regional businesses, and leaving a reputational mark on our otherwise excellent beaches,” stated Rodrigues.
The mayor signaled his intent to pursue the matter aggressively. “Someone must take responsibility for these recurring errors. After significant efforts to maintain our beach quality, errors outside our control threaten the deserved recognition of our beaches as among the country’s best,” he asserted.
Local merchants reported substantial financial losses, with attention placed on sample collection procedures and the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA).
Rodrigues emphasized this as a recurring issue, mirroring last year’s situation, impacting economic activity and beach reputation. “Merchants are operating at 30% of normal levels due to the now-proven unnecessary prohibition. Reports have surfaced of tourists canceling their stays in our region because of this,” expressed the mayor, who is “deeply dissatisfied” with the outcome.
