This was a small victory in itself, and, on Tuesday, a
three hour meeting held in Silves City Hall's main
boardroom brought together three leading REN
representatives, City Hall officials, and
representatives of the Vale Fuzeiros residents, who
together reached what appears to be some form of
compromise suiting conflicting parties.
During Tuesday's meeting, presided over by Mayor
Isabel Soares, residents asked REN representatives to
immediately stop the works taking place within Vale
Fuzeiros, which was, at first, denied. However, REN
officials did agree to take their high-tension line
north as well as dismantle any massive pylons that have
been, or are in the process of being built, on the
condition the order comes from the Minister for the
Environment.
Following this concession, and in order to gain the
Minister's opinion as soon as possible, Silves Mayor
Isabel Soares sent the Minister for the Environment, an
"urgent letter" requesting an "emergency meeting".
This was granted and a meeting will be held on Friday
October 12th, at 15h00 in Lisbon, at which REN officials
will also be present.
Should the Minister side with residents and order REN
to alter their route residents hope the National Energy
Company will keep to their word, though many still have
their doubts.
Vale Fuzeiros residents also asked that REN obtain an
official opinion from national health authorities, to
confirm or dismiss any risks and effects that the
high-tension lines may have on the local population.
This was, reportedly, rejected.
Sergio Santos, organiser and main representative of
the Vale Fuzeiros residents committee sat in on
Tuesday's meeting and told The Portugal News "It seems
that we have achieved our goal, but the residents are
still suspicious. They don't trust anyone. We need to
see progress to believe it. Then we will have won our
battle".
Present at the meeting were prominent members of
Silves council, which for some time has pledged its
unity with the residents' fight, and three REN
officials, including administrator Henrique Gomes.
After months of intense campaigning and
demonstrating, it seems the residents may finally have
achieved their ultimate goal, of preventing the high
tension route from passing through the heart of their
picturesque valley and being rerouted further north.
Vale Fuzeiros residents alleged they were only told
of the project once it had been ap proved and works
started. Their shock and complete revolt was manifested
through a series of hard-hitting protests, widely
covered by the nation's media.
The northern alternative was a compromise put forward
during initial stages of their campaign, proposed by
both the residents and REN, though nothing was done.
Residents believe REN did not immediately change the
direction of the line, as the southern route would
allegedly be "cheaper and easier".
They accuse REN of dismissing the negative effects
the high tension line and respective megapylons would
have on the local population's health, safety and
economy in favour of their own financial gain.
This was contested by REN, who claimed the northern
route would not be a suitable alternative, due to it
being geographically unsuitable, and, more recently, the
appearance of a nest belonging to a protected and
endangered specie of eagle.
"Our demonstrations have been put on hold for now",
said Mr Santos, "But it doesn't mean we have stopped. If
nothing is done we will start campaigning straightaway
and take even more drastic measures. We will do whatever
is necessary to stop this. It is a matter of life and
death", he concluded.