Vila do Bispo residents have started to paint around holes in the streets in protest at a council that has concentrated on fixing the area around the Câmara building, but says it has no more money for road repairs or street lighting.
Residents of Vila do Bispo say that the size and number of holes in their roads now are endangering pedestrians and vehicles, so they decided to paint them to highlight their crumbling environment.
The mysterious 'Movimento Buraco Urbano de Vila do Bispo' promises to continue to paint the holes until the municipality sorts out the problem.
The Urban Movement was created two weeks ago specifically to protest at the numerous potholes, which now are clearly visible to all as they are circled in various bright colors.
There is even a video on YouTube, and a Facebook page so viewers can follow progress.
Those responsible for this clandestine and apolitical movement simply want their roads fixed, and the lighting as there isn’t any, and street cleaning, and the weeds sorting out, and security looked at...
According to the Urban Movement, "the answer from the town hall to the protests and demands of the population is always ‘a lack of money,’" a justification that does not convince the locals.
"What is certain is that the state of the roads has become far worse over the last two council terms and we know that funds are being spent locally on beautification and improvement work, but only in the area adjacent to City Hall."
Protesting residents are outraged and are calling for the council to sort out the roads and illuminate the streets in Vila do Bispo, "For as long as it does nothing, we will continue painting the holes."
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Movimento+Buraco+Urbano+de+Vila+do+Bispo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Buraco-Urbano-de-Vila-do-Bispo/312077072281752?fref=ts
Comments
http://www.pordata.pt/en/Municipalities/Search+Environment/Table
and look up Vila do Bispo.
This municipal was 1.3 million over spent in 2009. In 2012 a slight gain over expenditure.
But where exactly does over 10 million each year go? Other than in the politicians deductions and municipal employees wages and salaries....
Like hundreds of other Municipals and Freguesia's across Portugal - we ask, where is the focus on the 'people'?
Is this the best use of scarce money with schools being closed and hospitals cut back ? And roads dangerous to drive and walk on?