The Juntos Pelo Povo (JPP) party has reported that farmers in Madeira are experiencing delays exceeding one year in the issuance of their irrigation water contracts. Party leader Élvio Sousa deemed the situation unacceptable and accused the management of irrigation systems of hindering agricultural activity.
Sousa argued that the prolonged delay in formalizing these contracts could lead to financial losses, reduced income, and a decrease in cultivated land for farmers. He emphasized that the public company Águas e Resíduos da Madeira (ARM) should prioritize agriculture.
The JPP criticized the PSD/CDS Regional Government for promoting agricultural support while producers face lengthy administrative waits. The party proposed measures to expedite contract issuance, set response deadlines, and simplify administrative procedures.