Confronted with one of Faro’s most persistent problems in his first week as mayor, António Pina announced today that he will review a €4–5 million drainage plan aimed at tackling chronic flooding in the São Luís area.
After a bout of heavy rain at around 6 a.m., the Largo and Rua de São Luís were once again submerged, causing damage to local shops and homes, a scene that residents have come to expect each year.
The newly appointed Mayor of Faro, who took office earlier this week, visited the site this morning. Speaking to journalists, Pina described it as the “most critical point” in the city, which also saw flooding in several other areas.
“The assessment is still under way. We have half a dozen damaged cars, a flooded garage, several shops affected, and a dentist’s surgery that suffered more serious damage,” said António Pina.
He acknowledged that this is a “recurring problem”, typically triggered when heavy rainfall coincides with high tide. Pina confirmed the existence of a long-discussed project designed to divert stormwater from higher ground in the city down towards lower drainage points.
“We know there’s a project to carry the water from Rua de São Luís towards two outlets, mainly along Avenida Cidade de Hayward down to Ribeira das Lavadeiras,” he explained.
The plan involves building a reservoir and pumping system, along with new collectors to replace decades-old infrastructure with larger-capacity equipment. The project, expected to take time to complete, represents a major investment of between €4 and €5 million.
Pina emphasised that EU or Environmental Fund support would be needed to move the scheme forward.
“We’ll be assessing it quickly to see whether there are the financial conditions to finally bring to life a project the community has been waiting for over many years,” he added.
The mayor said the plan will be re-evaluated in collaboration with the Portuguese Order of Engineers, to ensure it provides a long-term solution.
“We need to dispel all doubts, because if we’re literally going to bury €4 or €5 million underground, we must be absolutely sure it will solve the problem for these residents and business owners,” he stressed.
Elsewhere in Faro, including Avenida da República, Rua Alexandre Herculano, and Rua Infante D. Henrique, near the restaurant Chalavar, flooding caused long traffic jams. The heavy rain also affected other Algarve municipalities.
By 11 a.m., Civil Protection services had recorded around 50 incidents across the Algarve, involving about 200 emergency workers – including firefighters, municipal civil protection teams, and local council staff, supported by 44 technical vehicles, according to the Regional Civil Protection Command.
Most of the incidents involved flooded streets and buildings, particularly in Faro and Vila Real de Santo António, with a peak between 6 and 7 a.m.
