PSD councillors elected to Machico's municipal council welcomed the Regional Government's clean-up of the Ribeira de Machico, which they described as essential for preventing floods, reducing hydraulic risks and protecting people, property and heritage.
In the same statement, they criticised the municipal council for failing to ensure an effective preventive maintenance strategy for the river. According to the PSD, the council's previous intervention did not solve the problem and may have encouraged vegetation regrowth, raising concerns about water flow and possible impacts on the coastline and beach water quality.
The councillors also pointed to a recommendation unanimously approved in a council meeting, which puts the hydraulic safety of the river mouth first. Proposed measures include regular cleaning, assessment of the walls and updated hydraulic studies. The PSD called for full collaboration between the Regional Government and the council.