The visit was led by Vice-President Valentina Calixto and included the participation of Professor Poças Martins, a specialist on the subject, from FAGAR and the Portuguese Environment Agency.

According to the municipality, the 16 identified flood risk areas were assessed, and work has begun with a planned timeframe of two months, "which includes a technical evaluation of the existing project for one of the occurrences and the identification of urgent mitigation measures that can be implemented immediately."

"These actions will allow, in phases, the reduction and resolution of flood occurrences in the 16 areas mentioned," reads the municipality's statement.

During this visit, areas where combined sewer systems – where wastewater and rainwater mix, thus contributing to the degradation of the Ria Formosa's water quality – were also identified.

The municipality, therefore, considers it urgent to implement separate sewer systems and resolve other problems experienced by residents, such as foul odours and frequent infestations.

"The intention is to phase the interventions, quickly resolving flooding episodes and, in parallel, proceeding with the implementation of the separate sewer system. To support these interventions, an application for EU funding will be submitted, associating the Environmental Fund as a source of financing, available to municipalities," explains the Municipality.

The objective is "to strengthen the municipal budget, create the best conditions for carrying out the works, and address one of the main problems affecting the city of Faro."