“Earlier this May, I visited this location and interacted with the children, realizing they attempted to engage in sports here despite health risks, [because] this field is not in proper condition (…), and I stated that, if elected as the mayor, (…) I would commit to resolving this issue to provide suitable conditions for promoting sports, physical activity, social interaction, integration, and inclusion,” explained Pedro Duarte to journalists during a visit to Bairro do Lagarteiro.
The neighborhood’s sports court is scheduled to undergo refurbishment “by Christmas,” with works costing “around 84,000 euros,” a “small public effort” that the new mayor believes will have a “significant impact” on residents.
“Fortunately, we were able to quickly advance this first – almost the only promise – of a project I made during the campaign,” he stated.
Speaking about the projects “inherited” from Rui Moreira’s tenure, such as Siza Vieira’s project for Avenida da Ponte or the future Avenida Nun’Álvares, Pedro Duarte said he would follow a “line of continuity” and not interrupt any “ongoing procedures.”
“I’m not addressing this from a political perspective or similar observations; it’s about the city’s day-to-day operations. Any disruptions we introduce will be handled with great responsibility, ensuring we do not harm public funds on one hand or disrupt people’s lives,” he assured.
Noting that the city “has been somewhat burdened with a significant number of projects,” the mayor emphasized the need to provide “peace of mind to the residents.”
Regarding the second phase of the Metrobus project, which resumed at the start of this week, he remains intent on formalizing a working group to “rethink the entire project” and plans to meet with the transport company’s administration.
