Lagos Unites with Local Stakeholders to Demand Urgent Port Infrastructure Repairs
In a significant move to ensure the safety and economic viability of its maritime activities, the Câmara Municipal de Lagos has collaborated with local fishermen, maritime tourism operators, sports organisations, and economic agents to submit an open letter to the Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Security, and Maritime Services. This letter articulates deep concerns regarding the critical state of the city’s maritime infrastructure and calls for immediate governmental intervention.
The urgency of the situation arises from a collective dependency on the security and functionality of the Lagos harbour entrance and the Bensafrim River channel. Additionally, concerns extend to the pier adjacent to the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, the surrounding dock, the Solaria quay, and neighbouring areas that are rapidly deteriorating. These infrastructures are vital for local fishermen, tourists, water sports enthusiasts, and visitors alike, all of whom face daily risks due to their current state.
The situation, deemed critical, stems from prolonged inaction by the Central Government regarding a structural issue that not only jeopardises navigability and maritime safety but also threatens the economic sustainability of several key sectors in the region. Stakeholders in the area, including the local administration, are calling for a swift and structured response that replaces temporary fixes with long-term solutions to safeguard economic activities and human lives.
The open letter emphasises the need for timely and comprehensive interventions, urging authorities to prioritise substantive repairs rather than occasional, temporary solutions that have not effectively addressed the underlying issues. The demands include:
- Initiating dredging operations for the harbour entrance and the Bensafrim River channel to ensure safe access, navigation, and safe exits from the port.
- Carrying out necessary and urgent repairs on the pier next to the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, the adjacent dock, the Solaria quay and the surrounding areas.
- Reassessing the breakwaters at the Lagos harbour entrance to potentially plan interventions that would counteract current sediment dynamics and prevent the continuous silting of the harbour mouth and the Bensafrim River channel.
Signatories to the open letter include representatives from Barlapescas, Marlagos SA, the Association of Traditional Fishing Boat Owners of the Algarve, Sopromar Lda, the Association of Fishermen for Traditional Tours to the Lagoons, the Lagos Sailing Club, the Lacobrigense Association of Water Sports, the Frota do Infante – Maritime Tourism Association of Lagos, and the Sagres Fishing Owners Association.
As the Lagos community rallies together, the expectation is clear: swift action must be taken to address these urgent concerns, ensuring the safety and sustainability of the region’s maritime activities for years to come.
