Funchal Municipal Chamber (CMF) Councillor Luís Filipe Santos is calling for increased attention to the city's upper areas. He believes it is necessary to "ensure greater equality in the maintenance and enhancement of public spaces across all parishes," noting differences in treatment between central, tourist zones and residential areas, particularly those at higher elevations.
Santos points to road and path maintenance, degraded pavements, accessibility, signage, cleaning, and lighting as areas requiring more regular municipal intervention. "Funchal cannot be a city with two speeds. Those living in the upper areas pay the same taxes, belong to the same city, and have exactly the same right to live in a well-maintained, safe, and dignified public space," the councillor stated.
The official suggests that municipal policy should not focus solely on large projects but also on small, local interventions that make "a huge difference in people's daily lives." He also argues that greater proximity to residents allows for preventive action, stopping minor issues from escalating. "It is about demanding a balanced city. A Funchal where the quality of public space does not depend on the parish, altitude, or postal code of each citizen," he concluded.
