The Future of The São Vicente Caves Is at Risk
The São Vicente Caves in Madeira remain closed due to serious safety concerns, with Regional President Miguel Albuquerque stating that they will only reopen if there is a "100% guarantee of safety." Since March 2020, the São Vicente Caves have been closed due to structural damage.
São Vicente Caves a Highly Popular Tourist Destination
Before that a highly popular tourist destination, the reopening is pending and as it appears, less likely than ever before. This is despite local staff members in front of the then-opened Volcanic Center and souvenir shop claiming in 2023, that a reopening of the center would eventually happen this year, without being able to name a particular date.
Initial Assessment Points to Dangerous Conditions
The closure follows a study that highlighted the dangerous and unstable condition of the caves' interior. President Albuquerque, during a visit to assess road repairs, emphasized that reopening will depend entirely on resolving these safety issues. The government has not yet guaranteed that the caves will welcome visitors again anytime soon.
the President of the Regional Government did not guarantee that the caves would reopen to the public, given the initial assessment that led to their closure. The issue lies with "the study that indicates the internal infrastructure of the caves is precarious and dangerous."
President Miguel Albuquerque
Experts Yet to Reach Conclusion on São Vicente Caves
Specialized technicians, along with the Regional Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LREC), are now carrying out further assessments to determine the full extent of the problem. These findings will be critical in deciding whether the caves can be made safe for reopening.
Financial and Technical Challenges Await
Albuquerque stressed that reopening the caves presents multiple challenges, including the type of repairs needed, their cost, and the complexity of the work required. The closure has already had a financial impact on the São Vicente municipality, which manages the site, putting further pressure on finding a solution.
Source: Diário de Notícias da Madeira
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