Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 28th February 2024
We start this report as we have for a number of previous reports about the water situation in the Algarve. Whilst many would think that the rains we have experienced recently would be good for the region it is countered by the fact that in January the region used 4.6% more water than in the same month in 2023.
Urban water consumption in the Algarve rose 4.6% in January, compared to the same period in 2023, an expenditure equivalent to 20 cubic hectometres, according to data from the reservoir management commission, the Portuguese Environment Agency. According to the latest data on the evolution of the drought situation in the region, only six of the 19 entities responsible for water supply – four municipalities (Alcoutim, Castro Marim, Silves and Vila do Bispo) and two companies municipalities (in Loulé and Olhão) – reduced consumption in January, compared to the same month in 2023.
In the opposite direction, all the remaining municipalities and companies that supply the region consumed more water last January than in the same month last year, with the main year-on-year increases being recorded in Albufeira, Portimão and Loulé, three of the main tourist municipalities. What this means for us remains to be seen but with the expected price rises being blocked by the mayors and no sign of any long term rainwater it does look as though we will be struggling to find enough water for the summer and at the same time wondering whether we will have to pay more for it.
The Algarve has been on alert due to drought since February 5th and the Government has already admitted to increasing the level of restrictions, declaring a state of calamity or environmental emergency, if the measures now implemented are insufficient to deal with water scarcity in the region. We will see where this leads us!
Now a look at what else has happened across the region in the past week.
Three tons of hashish seized in the Guadiana River
The GNR ‘s Coastal and Border Control Unit (UCCF) seized in the early hours of this Friday around three tons of hashish and a high-speed vessel on the Guadiana River, the security force announced.
In a statement, the GNR said that the semi-rigid vessel was detected when entering the Guadiana bar as part of a coordinated patrolling action between the Integrated External Surveillance System (SIVE) of the Guardia Civil of Spain and the Integrated Surveillance, Command and Control (SIVICC) of the GNR.
“As a result, a maritime patrol from the Olhão Coastal Control detachment was immediately activated, with a view to intercepting and boarding the vessel that was sailing, hiding the signalling lights”, the note reads. Following police action, it was possible to intercept the vessel, which contained 80 bales of hashish, and prevent the landing of the drug, totaling 2,997 kilos.
Authorities also seized the 12-metre vessel, five jerrycans of fuel, various electronic equipment and navigation equipment. However, in the presence of the GNR maritime patrol, the suspects fled on foot towards Spanish territory.
The facts were communicated to the Department of Investigation and Criminal Action (DIAP) of Vila Real de Santo António.
Jet 2 Plane makes emergency landing at Faro airport
The Airbus A321-200N plane, originating in Tenerife (Spain) and destined for Birmingham (England), landed this Thursday at Gago Coutinho Airport , in Faro, according to The Aviation Herald. The incident happened around 5pm.
With 220 passengers on board, the crew decided to “divert to Faro” due to a “strong burning smell”. The aircraft landed safely 35 minutes later.
Algarve road improvements announced
The project, which is expected to have an implementation period of 120 days, will benefit many important roads in the parish of Alvor. In the meantime, the municipality has already warned the population that there will be some constraints on car circulation once the works start.
Although the roads will not be fully closed for the repair works, a couple of streets in the Alvor area should be avoided if possible in order to keep roads clear for the works to run smoothly. As the municipality of Portimão has warned, “duly signposted on site, imply some constraints on car circulation, which is why we request better understanding from motorists, who should opt for alternative routes whenever possible.”
The paths and roads which will take advantage of the repair and improvement works are: Rua Vasco da Gama/Rua Pedro Álvares Cabral, Rua Dr. António José de Almeida, Caminho das Biscainhas, Caminho dos Valinhos, Urbanização Vela Latina, Rua da Praia da Restinga, Rua do Parque de Pestana Alvor, Rua do Impasse tô Rua Manuel Soares de Campos, Rua de Tânger and Rua Maria Teresa JD Dionísio.
Until the next time Stay Safe..