“There is a project already ready, already in the stage of being able to put it out to tender, to divert the water, rebuilding all the rainwater pipes in that area of ​​the city,” António Miguel Pina told the Lusa news agency, referring to the São Luís area.

The mayor, who took office two days ago, added that it is “a robust project, in the order of between four and five million euros,” and that it is now necessary to re-analyse it and seek community funding.

“The Minister of the Environment also had the kindness to call me, showing her willingness to find other solutions as well,” such as using the Environmental Fund, said António Miguel Pina.

The project, the responsibility of Fagar, the company responsible for water and waste management, and which was passed on to the new executive by the previous one during the handover, will be re-evaluated with the collaboration of the Order of Engineers.

“We have to be absolutely certain that when we literally bury four or five million euros, it solves the problem of these floods and the people and businesses in this area,” said the mayor.