The Government is prepared to invest 68 million euros in recreation ports for the Algarvian region, it was announced today in Portimão by the Secretary of State for Transport, Ana Paula Vitorino.
The Governor visited the Portimão local authority to ratify five protocols which were then signed by that authority and the Institution of Maritime Transport.

These protocols aim to deliver to the local authority the utilisation and exploration of various spaces, from the Zona Ribeirinha to Praia da Rocha, and further to intervene in the improvement of the infrastructures and in the promotion of the Cruise Port.

But the true objective of the Secretary of State was to announce the intentions of the Government relating to the investments for the maritime-ports sector of the Algarve, with a vast programme which begins with the Marina of Ferragudo.

According to Ana Paula Vitorino, that marina will have spaces for 300 boats, in an investment of 1.14 million euros. It is to be concluded during the first quarter of 2008.

For Vila Real de Santo António, the total renovation of the port was announced, with an investment of 1.4 million euros, with the conclusion of the project anticipated for the end of 2007.

In Alcoutim, the investments go to the valorisation of the riverside, including infrastructures of sanitation, electrics, telephones and the support of nautical recreation. The investment is 0.5 million euros and works should be completed by the beginning of 2007.

In the Alcoutim area, a further investment of 10 million euros for infrastructures and requalification of the riverbanks of the Rio Guadiana is anticipated. The intention is to allow navigability 24 hours a day for boats up to 105 metres. Works to be ready in 2007.

The navigability of the Ria Arade in Portimão is the target of another investment of around 4 million euros. This includes dregding and the placement of various mooring points, amongst other works. The conclusion of this project is anticipated for 2008.

Still in Portimão, there are investments for the commercial ports, to a value of 1.7 million, and consist of the dredging of the access canal to the manoeuvring basin and the mooring harbour.

The recreational port of Faro is also included in the programme. But "the technical solutions and adquate financing" are under analysis, stated Ana Paula Vitorino. The investment is of 10 million euros and should be completed by 2011.

Tavira will receive an equal investment of 10 million euros for the future recreational port, with conclusion also anticipated by 2011. In this city, there are three possible locations for the project.

In Santa Luzia, in the Parish of Tavira, an unloading and supply zone is to be created, along with an anchorage for 125 boats. The investment is 1.25 million euros. The Secretary of State did not offer any dates for this work.

Still in Tavira, a further two investments are foreseen to a total value of 6.5 million euros, for fishing infrastructures and renovation of the city's eastern pier. The first project should finish in 2009 and the second in 2007.

In Albufeira, the Government will spend 2.6 million euros also on various support infrastructures for the fishing sector. These works are currently in the study phase. All should be ready by March of 2008.

The fishing port of Quarteira receives an investment of 5.5 million and is to be ready in December of 2007. This includes land-based infrastructures such as administrative and social premises.

In Olhão, Government spending will be 9.3 million euros for the environmental requalification of the fishing port. This work will begin in 2007, with an execution period as yet unknown.

Lastly, the fishing port of Fuzeta will be the target of re-ordination and improvement of the installations, in an investment of 2.5 million euros, there also being no declared period for beginning or conclusion of the works.

source: Região Sul