Mayor demands accountability for errors in Azibo water analysis
Benjamim Rodrigues, president of the Macedo de Cavaleiros City Council, today called for accountability for the errors in the analysis that led to the ban on swimming at Fraga da Pegada beach.
The issue was alleged water contamination, but counter-analysis ended up saying otherwise.
"This isn't a new situation. We experienced a similar situation last year, and this creates serious problems for beachgoers, tourists, and local businesses, as well as leaving a reputational damage to our beaches that will be difficult to erase," the mayor said this afternoon at a press conference.
Given the results of the counter-analysis, which allowed the ban to be lifted, Benjamim Rodrigues demands accountability for the error. "Someone will have to take responsibility for these recurring errors. We cannot allow that, after so much effort to maintain the quality of our beaches, errors that are not our fault undermine the fair perception that we have some of the best river beaches in the country," he emphasized.
According to the mayor, local traders are complaining of significant losses, given that, due to this situation, Azibo saw fewer visitors over the weekend.
"From what we've seen on the ground, businesses are operating at 30% of their normal capacity due to the lockdown, which has proven completely unnecessary and misleading. There are even reports of tourists canceling stays in our region because of this situation," reveals Benjamim Rodrigues.
The city council is focusing on the procedure for collecting samples for analysis and the Portuguese Environment Agency.
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