Loulé council continues on its path to being the most inclusive and democratic council in the Algarve as it announces the results of its ‘citizens’ choice’ projects across the municipality’s parishes.
"There were 11 projects selected in 11 democratic, fair and transparent contests. These are 11 projects that have been chosen not by politicians but by citizens,” said Loulé’s mayor Vítor Aleixo.
“The Participatory Budget is representative democracy, it is direct democracy that works. With this project, democracy in the municipality of Loulé has been much enhanced," said the mayor, managing to mention the ‘d’ word three times in one sentence.
Projects that have been voted in include the redevelopment of the sports centre in Cortelha in Salir which received the most votes of the 11 winning projects.
Of the 130 initial proposals from the 11 open consultations held in the council’s parishes there were 33 that went to the vote, and people actually voted - 7,448 of them by SMS votes and at local Freguesias.
To Loulé council, it is "a clear display of the involvement of the population in this pioneering project in the Algarve, it is one of the most important in the country.”
This is the first year of the scheme which will see €500,000 invested in local projects.
Benafim wanted a properly laid out site for fayres and a camping site, Alte wanted the roof and doors fixed at the Capela de Santa Margarida, Quarteira wanted a new floor in the multipurpose room at the Children's Support Centre, Vale Judeu gets some green space redeveloped with sensible parking, Almancil wanted green spaces sorted out with some lighting, signage and sculptures.
S. Clement residents wanted more life in the municipal park with information about trees and biodiversity, an arts and crafts space, a Wi-Fi zone and outdoor chess, Boliqueime voters wanted an area for fayres, markets and exhibitions with a new toilet area.
The mayor of Loulé, Vítor Aleixo, is of course delighted and said the initiative, "has a strong educational profile because it encourages people to participate in what after all is the management of their public affairs."
This year’s €500,000 budget will be raised the following year as Aleixo build an unassailable voter power base.
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