The Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 14 September 2022

by Mike Evans

Good Day to you all. We start the report with the fact that we have experienced something we haven’t seen for a long while! Rain, across the Algarve there are reports of some heavy rain whilst others have seen only slight showers.One thing to be aware of is that heavy rain on hard ground cannot seep into the ground easily so could cause some flooding.  In addition the IPMA have issued warnings about the road conditions which may result in slippery road surfaces and possible vehicle hydroplaning. Please be aware that ROADS ARE SLIPPERY and rain water running down slopes takes with it mud to add to the problem.

Meanwhile here are some other stories from across the region.

903 more cases of covid-19 and two deaths in the past week.

The Algarve region recorded 903 more cases of covid-19 and two deaths, while the country had 17,044 new confirmed cases between August 30 and September 5, in a week in which 47 deaths from the disease and 431 people were hospitalised, according to official data. .

According to the situation report from the Directorate-General for Health ( DGS ), the total number of new cases in the last week represents a drop of 1,158 compared to the previous week, putting the incidence of the disease at 166 per 100 thousand inhabitants, a drop of 6% in the same period.

The infection transmissibility index (Rt) stood at 0.99 in the last week.As for hospital occupancy in the mainland due to covid-19, on September 5 it was 431 beds, 39 less than the previous week, with 33 people hospitalised in intensive care units, three less than the previous week.

The DGS began to release data on admissions for the Monday prior to the publication of the report on Fridays.

In the period under analysis, 47 people died from covid-19, two more than the previous week, putting mortality at 05 per million inhabitants, which represents a growth of 4% in a week.The campaign to boost vaccination against covid-19 at the same time as the flu vaccination for the most vulnerable and those over 60 years old started days ago and should cover about three million people, according to DGS estimates.

Man’s body found south of Carvoeiro beach

The body of a man was found on Saturday, September 10, floating in the sea about two kilometres south of Carvoeiro beach , in the municipality of Lagoa , announced the National Maritime Authority (AMN).

In a statement, the AMN indicated that “the causes that may have been at the origin of this occurrence are unknown”, whose alert was given at 10:05 am, through the Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in Lisbon.

The body, the source said, was about a nautical mile (approximately two kilometres) south of Carvoeiro beach, having been rescued by the crew of the Ferragudo Lifeguard Station and transported to the Portimão Naval Support Point.According to the AMN, after calling the Judiciary Police and contacting the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the body was transported to the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences in Portimão for identification.

Suspected Drug Dealer Remanded in Custody

The Portimão Judicial Court decreed the preventive detention of one of the two arrested last week in Albufeira , suspected of drug trafficking and possession of a weapon.

According to a statement from the National Republican Guard (GNR), the 30-year-old detainee was remanded in custody after being present at the Judicial Court of Portimão, while the 21-year-old was given bail subject to the terms  of identity and residence.

On Tuesday, the GNR had arrested two men, aged 21 and 30, suspected of drug trafficking, and seized 2,788 doses of various drugs and a weapon in Albufeira.The GNR’s Faro Territorial Command, in a statement, explained at the time that the police action had taken place “following a complaint of abusive occupation of a dwelling” and because “suspected drug trafficking” had fallen on one of the suspects, the which led the Guard’s soldiers to carry out a house search and to learn the various drugs and other material, such as a nine millimetre pistol.

In total, “1,838 doses of hashish, 756 doses of cocaine, 193 doses of MDMA, a dose of cannabis, a nine millimetre pistol, three magazines, 36 nine millimetre rounds, a brass knuckle and 1,250 euros in cash” were seized. accounted for the GNR.

Paderne photovoltaic plant inaugurated

An investment of 18 million euros has enabled the construction of a photovoltaic plant in Paderne , in the municipality of Albufeira , which will have enough installed power to supply “more than 8,000 homes”, said the promoters.

The solar park set up by NextEnergy Capital and Frequent Summer “consists of 39,564 panels, with an installed power of 17.4 MWp”, occupies “an area of ​​28 hectares in the municipality of Albufeira” and was inaugurated this Friday, 9 de Setembro, near the Algarve town of Paderne.

The ceremony was attended by the director of NextEnergy Capital Filinto Martins and the representative of Frequent Summer, Rogério da Ponte, as well as the mayor of Albufeira, José Carlos Rolo (PSD), with the promoters highlighting the “annual production capacity of 29.6 GWh of electricity”, which will “allow supplying more than 8,000 homes”.

On the other hand, they pointed out, the project also has an environmental component, by “avoiding the emission of 9,620 tons of CO2 per year”.

“Portugal is a country with a high growth potential in terms of solar energy production. The Paderne Photovoltaic Power Station reflects this scenario and shows NextEnergy’s commitment to this type of investment”, said Filinto Martins.

The same source added that, with this investment of 18 million euros, “the company not only reinforces its global presence, by carrying out yet another project in Portugal, but also contributes to the economic and sustainable development of the Algarve region”.The mayor of Albufeira, José Carlos Rolo, considered that the municipality already had “lack of an investment of this nature” and highlighted the importance of the solar park to “cover 8,000 dwellings”.

The mayor stressed that solar energy “does not pollute, it is renewable, clean and silent” and allows the municipality to bring “a greater good” in environmental terms, when society is confronted “with various areas of combat, such as the economic and climate change, whose repercussions range from food to social dynamics”.

“Due to the high sun exposure, the Algarve has unique weather conditions for the establishment of a photovoltaic plant, in addition to being a region that already has knowledge, installed capacity and human resources prepared for challenges and investments like this”, justified Rogério da Ponte. , representative of Frequent Summer.

The same source pointed out that, “for all these reasons, Frequent Summer’s strategy will involve not only this plant, but also other projects still under development”

Earthquake felt in Loule

And Finally to close this report An earthquake of magnitude 3.2 on the Richter scale was recorded at 22:16 (local time) on Sunday, September 11, having been felt in the municipality of Loulé , according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA).

“The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere informs that on 11-09-2022 at 22:16 (local time) an earthquake of magnitude 3.2 (Richter) was recorded at the stations of the Mainland Seismic Network, whose epicentre was located about 60 km south-southeast of Olhão ,” the organisation said in a statement.

According to information available until around 24:00 (mainland Portugal time), the earthquake “did not cause personal or material damage and was felt with maximum intensity II (modified Mercalli scale) in the municipality of Loulé (Faro)”, refers to the IPMA communiqué.

Have a safe and secure week.

 

The Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 7th September 2022

by Mike Evans

Good morning, as we start to enter a cooler period we are pleased to report that the number of rural fires in the region are very small compared to previous months. Also some good news for the residents of the Vale De Venda,Near Loule, is that the refuse dump which had been burning since the Gambelas fire in July has now been extinguished. It is worth noting however, that whilst we are entering a cooler period of weather the ground is still very dry and we must all remain vigilant against the sudden spark which can start a fire.

In other news from the Region, 

Portimao, has taken delivery of 10 new electric buses to work in and around the city.

The first ten electric buses that will reinforce the Vai e Vem – Transportes Urbanos de Portimão fleet start operating this Tuesday, August 30th. According to the municipality , this is “the first step of an ambitious project” that in 2023 will be expanded with eight more identical vehicles.

In the presentation of the vehicles, Ricardo Afonso, administrator of Sandbus Transportes, the Vai e Vem concessionaire, in partnership with Vamus Algarve , highlighted the municipal commitment to energy efficiency, considering it “an honour to start in Portimão, and in a massive way, the introduction of of electric vehicles in the Algarve region”, for which the company will invest around three million and 600 thousand euros.

Isilda Gomes, president of Portimão City Council, praised the company for complying with the rules of the tender, “which does not always happen”, and pointed out that this option results from the “paradigm shift in energy terms, of extreme importance at the time when that climate change is the order of the day.”

“From now on, 40 percent of the Vai e Vem fleet, made up of 26 vehicles, is already electric and when the remaining eight buses start operating, we will reach 70 percent, most likely a rare case in Portuguese municipalities” , stressed the mayor.

In his words, “this is a very decisive first step in the fight against climate change, as we have to look after the future and the future involves zero emissions.”

Each bus will have a range of around 280 kilometres, and an annual reduction in CO2 emissions of around 675 tonnes is expected to be achieved.

Man arrested with cocaine and heroin in Lagoa

A 40-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday, August 31, in Lagoa , for drug trafficking, announced the National Republican Guard ( GNR ). The arrest was made by the Faro Territorial Command, through the Lagoa Territorial Post, as part of a general policing action.

When the military inspected a vehicle, it was found that the driver was behaving suspiciously.

During this inspection, the driver was asked to get out of the vehicle and when he got up he ended up dropping the narcotic product on the floor, which led to a personal search and search of the vehicle.

116.30 doses of heroin, 69.35 doses of cocaine, 59.35 doses of crack, three cell phones and several SIM cards, a car and 1421.77 euros in cash were seized.

The suspect appeared for the first interrogation at the Judicial Court in Portimao.

Nine arrested for carob theft in Salir and Boliqueime

Nine men were arrested and another five identified on August 31 and September 1 in Salir and Boliqueime, in the municipality of Loulé , for theft of carob, announced the National Republican Guard (GNR).

150 kilos of carob were also seized, in an action carried out by the Faro Territorial Command, through the Loulé and Salir Territorial Posts, which arrested the suspects in the act, aged between 17 and 38 years.

After complaints about thefts of carob on agricultural land, the GNR went to the places described and detected the suspects in the act, later finding out with the landowners that the individuals were not authorised to collect carob beans.On August 31, the military at the Salir Territorial Post detained three men in the town of Besteiros, having seized 105 kilos of carob.

On 1 September, the military at the Loulé Territorial Post arrested six men and seized 45 kilos of carob.

On the same day, five individuals were also identified who were stealing carob, which was later handed over to its owner.The detainees were made arguidos and the facts were reported to the Loulé Judicial Court. 

Rota do Petisco reaches 220 establishments across 11 Algarve municipalities

The 2022 edition of Rota do Petisco will take place from September 14 to October 16 with the participation of 220 establishments from 11 Algarve municipalities, the Albufeira City Council said this Monday .

Aljezur , Vila do Bispo, Lagos, Portimão, Monchique, Lagoa, Silves, Albufeira, Loulé, São Brás de Alportel and Tavira are the municipalities that will have establishments offering a snack menu (snack and drink) of 3.5 euros and a sweet menu (dessert and drink) at 2.5 euros.

The initiative, organised by the non-profit association Teia D’Impulsos (Portimão), is a cultural and recreational project that aims to promote local restaurants and commerce, as well as regional Algarve gastronomy, with a solidarity aspect this year. dedicated to youth.

In the European Year of Youth, the value of the passport that gives access to the event of 1.5 euros goes entirely to six institutions and projects in the region that fight social, racial and/or gender discrimination, promote the mental health of young people and encourage youth volunteering.

CCTV Cameras installed In Portimao and Praia da Rocha

The first 36 video surveillance cameras in Portimão and Praia da Rocha began to be installed earlier this month, the municipality announced.

The priority focuses on the entrances to the city and in the area of ​​bars in Praia da Rocha, as defined in a study carried out by the Public Security Police (PSP) and after a protocol signed between the municipality and the Ministry of Internal Administration.

In Praia da Rocha, the cameras were installed on the pedestrian path next to the cliffs, from Rotunda da Fonte to Avenida Tomás Cabreira.The municipality is responsible for the infrastructure and the acquisition of equipment, whose network may be extended in the future to other areas of the city.

PSP will be the only entity with access to the images in order to guarantee the safety of people and goods, with a system that prevents the capture of images in sensitive places such as private homes.

The municipality assumed the full costs of 563,799.49 euros, which include the installation and maintenance of the entire system and the training of agents who will operate the chambers.

In addition to the cameras, wi-fi antennas were also installed, which will offer free internet access to the entire population and 50 kilometres of optical fibre throughout the municipality, which represents an investment of around 275 thousand euros.

GNR Arrest 9 People in Albufeira for Drug offences

Between the 1st and 4th of September, the GNR detained nine men aged between 20 and 41, on suspicion of drug trafficking, in the municipality of Albufeira .

In the course of several policing actions, the Guard ‘s military carried out police investigations that culminated in the arrest of nine men involved in the trafficking of narcotic products. These actions culminated in the seizure of various material, namely 158 doses of cocaine; 49 doses of hashish; three cannabis plants; a vehicle; a bag of plant substrate and three sprayers.The detainees were made arguidos and the facts sent to the Albufeira Judicial Court.

The actions included the reinforcement of the Public Order Intervention Group (GIOP) of the Intervention Unit (UI).

 

Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 31st August 2022

by Mike Evans

Welcome to the last report for the month of August. With the summer nearing its end and the temperature’s starting to drop a little we must all keep our guards up against the chance of a rural fire. In addition we are still seeing more instances of people getting into difficulty whilst swimming and as the air temperature drops so will the sea temperature so it is vital that people are aware of these issues as we go into Autumn.

Here are some stories from across the Algarve which we hope you will find of interest.

More Policing On the Streets is a Wish of Mayor of Vila Real de San Antonio

Álvaro Araújo, Mayor of Vila Real de Santo António (VRSA) called on Isabel Oneto, Secretary of State for Internal Administration, to reinforce the policing of the city’s streets. At a conference which the official attended, the mayor announced “the proximity” of the inauguration of the new PSP squadron – an “important and necessary” work, scheduled for October.

The mayor addressed the Secretary of State during the commemorative ceremony of the 135th anniversary of the PSP’s Faro District Command, which took place at the António Aleixo Cultural Centre, in VRSA.

“It is essential to increase policing on the streets, precisely to put into practice the aspects of prevention and education for citizenship, through advice and useful information that agents provide to people. It is about promoting an inclusive attitude, which has long been advocated by agents who patrol the streets”, the mayor reiterated, before an audience with hundreds of members of the PSP and other security forces and other guests.

In response to the president’s request, Isabel Oneto announced the “soon to be” reinforcement of the means available to the police structure in the region and in the municipality in particular: “It was thanks to the programming of the infrastructure and equipment of the security forces that it was possible to program and execute the investment that we will soon inaugurate the new police station in October”, as well as vehicles, weapons and personal protection material”. The official also promised “very soon”, the arrival of new unmarked vehicles and others for the Algarve and the renovation of the Olhão and Portimão police stations.

The Vila Real Mayor recalled that the location of the new structure is justified “by the importance of its strategic location, by its adequate size and by being an emblematic building in the municipality and worthy of installing the police that watches over everyone’s safety”, he lists.

During the solemn ceremony, a cooperation protocol was also signed between the PSP, the University of the Algarve (UAlg) and the Algarve Tourism Region (RTA) for the creation of the “Algarve Destino Seguro Program”. The main purpose of the program, according to the PSP, is “to contribute to making the Algarve a safe destination to live, work, study or visit throughout the year”. Representing UAlg was Paulo Águas, dean of the higher education institution and João Fernandes, president of RTA.

Albufeira Mayor Asks citizens to Use Water Sparingly

The mayor of Albufeira, José Carlos Rolo, asks the population to use water in a “conscious and parsimonious” way, avoiding waste and remembering that “small gestures” can “save several litres of water per minute”.

“There are small gestures that can make a difference and that allow you to save several litres of water per minute, namely in the use of the kitchen, bathroom, laundry, garden, swimming pools and vegetable gardens”, emphasises José Carlos Rolo quoted in a press release.

The mayor also asks citizens to “whenever they observe” a water rupture in the public network, in landmarks and fire hydrants, safety taps next to metres, misdirected or damaged irrigation sprinklers and improper connections to the supply system. the public should inform municipal services.

The Mayor’s statement then lists a series of measures that this Algarve municipality has been adopting with a view to reducing consumption of water from the public network at a time when the situation of severe drought is ravaging the country and the region.

Among the main measures adopted is the closure of municipal swimming pools during the months of August and September, the closure of ornamental fountains, the use of wastewater for irrigation of public spaces, with irrigation being carried out preferably at night.

Other measures applied range from the implementation of the drip irrigation system, the suspension of irrigation in some sectors of the green spaces, mainly in grass areas, the installation of pressure gauges for monitoring purposes and the reduction of irrigation time in approximately 30% for most locations.

Most of these measures to combat drought in the region have been approved since the beginning of the year at the level of the Algarve Intermunicipal Community.

New Technology Centre Opens Near Portimao

The municipality of Portimão will have a new technological centre dedicated to renewable energies, next to the Algarve International Circuit, under an investment of 7.2 million euros. The opening took place on the 26th of August.

The project presented on Friday, developed by the Associação Parque Tecnológico do Algarve (Celerator), aims to install five high and medium-high technology companies and knowledge-intensive services in that infrastructure by 2024.

In the presentation of the project, the administrator of Parkalgar, which together with the University of the Algarve (UAlg) forms the Celerator association, said that the project will make the “future paths for mobility and sustainability pass through Portimão”.

According to Paulo Pinheiro, the new infrastructure will help the Algarve gain “competitiveness in the area of ​​engineering and new technologies”, at the same time as it will outline “new paths for mobility and sustainability.

Paulo Águas, rector of UAlg, defended that the creation of the new hub “is part of the university’s mission”, an institution that “only benefits from a region that has “a more diversified economy and can generate more qualified work”.

Also present at the ceremony, the chairman of the Committee for Coordination and Regional Development ( CCDR ) of the Algarve, José Apolinário, praised the fact that the new innovation hub is located in a low-density area, in the interior of the municipality of Portimão.

The new Technological Pole in the Transport, Mobility and Energy Solutions sector will be dedicated to research, development and implementation of energy solutions based on green hydrogen and synthetic fuels. Among the objectives of the project is the creation of a technological hub with the construction of facilities, including laboratories and test centres, with the provision of test bench facilities for internal combustion engines with and without hybrid energy systems.

At the same time, it is planned to install modules to investigate the process of creating and implementing fuel cells in conventional means of transport, as well as installing units for recycling, with maximised reuse of end-of-life electrical batteries.

The project also includes the installation of a research and development unit with a component that compares with a conventional unit, for “Otto” Thermal Engines, using synthetic fuels, for diversified uses. In her speech, the Minister of Territorial Cohesion, Ana Abrunhosa, underlined that this is the only technological centre in the country where there is a “living laboratory”, which brings together a track for motor racing and a laboratory in the transport, mobility and energy solutions.

“In this technological hub we already have the last phase of many projects, here we already have the economic activity and future partners that will benefit from the innovation and new solutions of this technological hub”, she stressed.

Albufeira, One of the Municipalities with the Highest Number of Temporary Protections Granted

Portugal has already granted more than 50,000 temporary protections to people who fled the war in Ukraine, of which 27% covered minors, the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) revealed this week.

According to a note released by the SEF, so far 50,632 temporary protections have been granted to Ukrainian citizens and foreigners residing in that country, divided between 30,309 women and 20,323 men.The municipalities with the highest number of temporary protections awarded continue to be Lisbon (10,763), Cascais (3,020), Porto (2,450), Sintra (1,733) and Albufeira (1,264).

The SEF also highlights the issue of 42,333 residence authorization certificates under the temporary protection regime. These certificates, issued after the National Health Service, Social Security and Tax Authority have assigned the respective numbers, are necessary for refugees to start working and be able to access support.

The request for temporary protection to Portugal can be made through the ‘online’ platform created by the SEF, available in three languages; it is not necessary for adults to use the counters of this security service. However, in the case of minors, it is mandatory to go to a SEF branch to confirm their identity and affiliation.

Portuguese Man arrested in Spain extradited to Portugal arrives In Faro

On Monday, August 29, the Spanish authorities handed over to the Judiciary Police ( PJ ) the Portuguese citizen, Sidney Martins, the subject of a European arrest warrant suspected of several homicides and armed robberies, said the PJ in a statement.

“At the land border, a 42-year-old man was handed over to the Judiciary Police, under arrest, by the Spanish authorities, within the scope of the fulfilment of a European arrest warrant issued by the Faro Prosecutor’s Office, indicted for carrying out several armed robberies, during occurred in the month of July, in the Algarve region”, reads a note published on the official PJ page.

Sidney Martins is one of the Portuguese assailant couple, arrested in Spain, on August 13, in the city of Zamora.

The 42-year-old man and his partner Nélida Guerreiro, 40, known as the Portuguese ‘Bonnie & Clyde’, are the subject of three investigations in Portugal, being suspected of a triple homicide in Bragança and armed robberies in Fundão and Algarve, in addition to the robberies that are suspected of committing in Spain.

The Portuguese duo is also suspected of several armed robberies at petrol stations in the Algarve, from where they went to Spain and committed several other robberies, namely in Seville, Toledo and Badajoz, using the same ‘modus operandi’ of intimidation with a firearm and a knife.

The arrest warrants issued by the Court of Faro do not cover the couple’s suspicions of a triple homicide in Bragança – still under investigation by the Portuguese authorities -being limited only to crimes linked to robberies in Portugal and Spain.

Martins will be presented to the national judicial authorities, in the district of Faro, within the legally established deadlines”.

Spanish Man Treated For Hypothermia at Portimao

Finally to reiterate our introduction, A 44-year-old Spanish man was assisted on Sunday, August 28, at Praia do Alemão in Portimão , for showing signs of hypothermia after getting out of the water, announced the National Maritime Authority.

The alert was received at 17:53 by the lifeguards who were on duty and elements of the SeaWatch and INEM project were activated for the site.

The victim began to feel cold in the body after getting out of the water and removing the wetsuit, having asked the lifeguards and a doctor who was on site for support, who found that the body temperature was below the reference parameters.

The elements of the SeaWatch project, on site, provided support to the victim using a thermal blanket and the administration of oxygen until the arrival of INEM.

The victim was later taken from the beach using the Amarok vehicle to an ambulance, after which she was transported to a hospital.

 

The Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 24 August 2022

Civil Protection reinforces fire-fighting device in the region

The Civil Protection of the Algarve announced this Sunday a reinforcement of the observation device and means of fighting fires in rural areas, within the scope of the alert situation declared by the Government for the coming days.

In a statement, the Algarve Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command (CREPC) specified that 52 more observation teams were mobilised by the municipal civil protection services and 28 tracking machines were hired by the 16 municipalities in the district of Faro .

The alert situation for mainland Portugal was declared on Friday by the Government due to the risk of fire, a scenario that will remain at least until next Tuesday, following a heat wave that hits the country.

During this alert period, the CREPC/Algarve adds, there was also an increase of 11 intervention teams to combat rural fires, “totaling the regional device, 375 firefighters distributed among 90 teams positioned in strategic locations”.

In all the municipalities of the Algarve, he says, 22 concentration zones were also created, “key areas to accommodate the most vulnerable population in emergency situations”.

According to Civil Protection, the 52 rural observation teams are part of the operational prevention device coordinated by the National Republican Guard, “with means and resources” from municipalities, hunters’ associations and other collectivities.

“It is a muscular reinforcement for the early detection of possible ignitions in the barrocal and mountain areas” in the region, reads the note.

The 28 crawler machines “were strategically prepositioned according to the territorial reality of each municipality and are the guarantee of an anticipated projection by the regional command, in the expanded attack effort”.

The equipment is monitored by teams of forest clearers in conjunction with the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests, concluded the note from the Civil Protection of the Algarve.

Municipalities removed more than 58 thousand square metres of asbestos in 29 schools

Twelve municipalities in the Algarve have already removed more than 58,000 square metres of asbestos from school coverage, the Algarve’s Regional Coordination and Development Commission ( CCDR ) announced this Monday.

With a total eligible investment of 3.5 million euros, 100% co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the twelve municipalities involved in the operation completed the asbestos removal work in 29 teaching establishments from the 2nd and 2nd 3rd cycles, following the agreement established with the Government, which allowed access to European funds managed in the region for the removal of coatings made up of asbestos-containing fibre cement boards and accessories.

Adding together two broader requalification projects, in which the removal of asbestos is also planned, these interventions will improve operating conditions in 31 schools in the region.

Vila Real Beaches recognised with distinction by Turismo de Portugal

The beaches of the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António were awarded, by Turismo de Portugal, with the “Accessible Beach” Flag, under the Accessible Beach Program – Beach for All)!.

The initiative’s main objective is to provide bathing areas with a set of conditions that allow their universal use, without jeopardising age and mobility difficulties.

All the licensed and supervised beaches in the municipality – Santo António, Monte Gordo , Manta Rota and Lota – were awarded and, in addition to being accessible to people with reduced mobility, they provide comfort to visitors, through the provision of amphibious chairs in safety conditions.

Added to this service is the already existing network of adapted walkways, ramps and parking spaces reserved for vehicles at the service of people with disabilities, which, together, allow all users to enjoy a swim in the sea.

It is recalled that the beach of Manta Rota was already distinguished with the first place of the award “Beach + accessible”, being considered an example of good practices to be followed throughout the country.

Six arrested for driving with excessive alcohol in Vilamoura during Police crack down 

The GNR detained on Friday, 19, in Vilamoura, six people for driving with excess blood alcohol, during an action to combat crime and serious accidents, it was announced on Saturday.

In a statement, the Faro Territorial Command of the National Republican Guard (GNR) indicated that the “special operation” took place in the main accesses to Vilamoura.

According to that security force, in addition to the arrest of the six people who were driving with excess alcohol in their blood, the military detected a total of 31 different infractions that resulted in administrative offences.

Thus, 25 violations against the Highway Code were issued, three against regulatory legislation, one for lack of a safety plan, one for an expired security director card and one for outdated CCTV system (video surveillance system) symbology. The cases were referred to the Loulé Judicial Court.

Collision between two boats at the entrance to Olhao Harbour causes three injuries

A collision between two vessels caused three minor injuries at the entrance to the fishing port of Olhão , during the early hours of Friday, August 19, announced the National Maritime Authority.

A local fishing vessel that had five crew on board collided with another local auxiliary vessel with four people on it.

The alert was given shortly after midnight through the Lisbon Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre, and elements of the local Command of the Maritime Police of Olhão, the Municipal Fire Department of Olhão and INEM were activated for the scene.

After the collision, the two vessels went to the fishing port of Olhão, where they docked safely, so that the slightly injured could be cared for.

Two of the slightly injured were later transported to a hospital and the two vessels were inspected, and severe structural damage was found.

The local Command of the Maritime Police of Olhão took care of the occurrence.

Loule Municipality Reinforces Measures to Combat Lack of Water

With the worsening of the drought in the country, and at a time when the population in the municipality is considerably higher than the rest of the year, due to the number of tourists who are there on vacation, the municipality of Loulé decided this week to reinforce its response to the water shortage.

In this way, measures based on the recently approved Plan are being implemented

Contingency Council for Dry Periods, in addition to those in force since the 20th of July, in consultation with the other municipalities in the Algarve.

The Loulé City Council will extend the closure of the indoor swimming pools in Loulé and Quarteira until the end of September and close the outdoor swimming pools in Loulé and Salir on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, starting next Monday , August 22. These outdoor equipment will remain open on the remaining days and during their normal opening hours. As a whole, the sum of the measures in force since 20 July with these new ones to be applied from next week should mean a total saving of 4,200 m3 or 4,200,000 litres of water, which would be the average consumption of 420 dwellings during the whole month.

Also with regard to the aforementioned public sports facilities, measures will be implemented to reduce water consumption by users and employees, which will include the installation of flow reducers in existing faucets and showers and the installation of timers in the showers that don’t have them yet.

Another initiative, now approved, will be the reduction or suspension of irrigation in some of the green spaces of the municipality, with this irrigation being carried out, whenever possible, manually and using water from Bicas Velhas.The municipal services will also resort to alternative sources of water for washing streets and pavements, with the vehicles that carry out these washings being supplied with water sources such as the one in Bicas Velhas.

Waste Tip Fire in Loule Must be Extinguished says ARS

The Public Health Authority of the Algarve determined this Monday “the immediate extinction” of the sources of burning material at the waste plant of the company Inertegarve, in Vale da Venda (Loulé), whose dump was affected by a fire in July.

The determination of the regional health delegate was expressed in a note published on the website of the Algarve Regional Health Administration (ARS), following the air quality monitoring report commissioned by the Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission ( CCDR ). .

The precautionary measure arises “following the confirmation of the analytical results, of the parameters Particles in Suspension (PM10) and Benzene, above the indicative values ​​used by analogy as a reference […]”, maintains Ana Cristina Guerreiro.

The fire at the Inertegarve company dump, located in Vale da Venda, in the municipality of Loulé , resulted from the fire that broke out on July 14 in Gambelas, in the municipality of Faro, and which spread to the neighbouring municipality.

Since the fire started local residents have been calling for it to be extinguished but for the past few weeks their calls were being ignored, even though the operating licence of the company was suspended.

According to the statement on their website, “The joint visit on the initiative of the Health Authority and the GNR, which are territorially competent, accompanied by other entities, resulted in the recognition of the suspected risk to public health and the urgent need [for the company] to completely stop the outbreaks of combustion”, reads the note.

The assessment “on the possible presence of critical levels of pollution in the face of an environmental accident” carried out for nine days by the company Monitar – Engenharia do Ambiente, through a mobile station, detected “the concentration of values ​​above the indicative reference levels for the parameters PM10 and Benzene particles”, underlines the note from the Algarve Regional Health Authority.