Madeira Situation Report Wednesday 30th November 2022
by Daniel Fernandes
Christmas and New Year Festivities in Madeira
Madeira is famous for having its Christmas and New Year Festivities, including the largest fireworks show in the World (2006 Guinness Book of Records). The official website of the Madeira Tourism office has detailed information on what’s on offer for this year’s Christmas and New Year Festivities:
https://www.visitmadeira.com/en-gb/what-to-do/events/search/christmas-and-new-year´s-eve-festivities
Disruptions likely to bus workers strike
Grupo Horários do Funchal (Madeira bus company) warned that disruptions are likely to happen on its urban and inter-urban routes today (November 30th), between 09h30 and 12h30, as result of a scheduled strike by its employees. While acknowledging the workers’ right to strike, it assured its passengers that it will do everything to minimise the disruption caused by today’s strike.
Cruise ship port calls
MSC Seascape, the longest ship in the MSC fleet, made a maiden port call in Funchal on November 26th while on its way from Cadiz to Bermuda and then New York. It stayed in Funchal for 11 hours. A total of 387 people disembarked and 221 people boarded the ship.
In addition, it was announced AIDA Cruise ships are scheduled to make 43 port calls in Funchal in 2023. This further highlights the importance of cruise tourism to the Madeira economy.
Water supply disruption
The Municipality of Funchal informed there will be a water supply disruption tonight (November 30th) at Rua Velha da Ajuda, due to scheduled work on the water supply management system. It will start at 22h00 and last for 6 hours. All care will be taken to minimise the inconvenience caused by this disruption.
Power cut
Empresa de Electricidade da Madeira (Madeira power supplier) announced there will be power cuts due to scheduled work on the electricity supply network. These cannot be postponed and will take place in the following days and places:
FUNCHAL
December 1st – 00h00 to 05h00
– Avenida do Infante (numbers 1 to 4 & 56 to 64)
– Avenida Luís de Camões (numbers 1 to 5)
– Rua Tenente Coronel Sarmento
December 1st – 00h00 to 06h00
– Rua Portão de São Tiago
– Largo do Corpo Santo (number 14)
CALHETA
December 2nd – 09h15 to 10h00
– Levada de São João
– Caminho do Lombo Doutor
– Bombeiros Voluntários da Calheta (Calheta Fire Service)
– Bomba de Gasolina – Serrão (Serrão Petrol Station)
However, power could be restored during the time frame mentioned above. So, for safety purposes, it should be assumed that there will be power at any time during this period of time.
If necessary, customers can contact the free Customer Support Service number (Serviço de Apoio ao Cliente): 800 221 187.