The ADN-Madeira party has expressed concern and questioned the constant delays in the arrival of a second helicopter intended to reinforce regional Civil Protection.
Initially promised for before summer, and later for July and August, the aerial resource still lacks a defined date to become operational. ADN recalls that, in March, the Regional Government announced the contracting procedure was underway, but the current situation, according to the Regional Government president on August 26, depends on the signature of the Minister of National Defense for the Air Force to open the tender.
The party demands clarification on what was actually in progress in March and April, the protocols signed in July, and the new schedule. ADN's regional coordinator, Maíza Fernandes, highlighted that the intention to strengthen the region's air capacity dates back to 2025, with a tender canceled that year, and considers that "two years of announcements, procedures, and deadlines" warrant a clear explanation.
ADN-Madeira also warned about the operational need for the second helicopter, reminding that the currently available aircraft was mobilized to combat a fire in Câmara de Lobos on the 25th and is also used for search and rescue missions. "Madeira does not need another forecast. It needs a credible date and the means on time," the party stated.
