“The regeneration of the waterfront is a priority [...]. Let's return the river to the city, to the municipality, rescuing its importance as a symbol of life, history and unity”, wrote the mayor on his social networks.

According to information given to Lusa by João Leite, the Chamber has already secured 3.5 million euros for the implementation of this project, through the Portugal 2030 program. The president stressed, however, that the total value of the intervention, still to be determined, will be greater than this amount.

The financial support, according to the mayor, “represents a decisive step towards making the dream of returning the River to everyone a reality”.

The project includes the creation of an urban green park with the aim of monetising the proximity to the river.

“It will be much more than a physical space, it will be a place for meeting, sharing and harmony with nature. The river, this valuable natural heritage that connects us to the past and projects us into the future, will finally be returned to the people so that everyone can enjoy its beauty, its serenity and its potential as a source of development and well-being”.

At the same time, the mayor revealed that a proposal to connect the city's railway station to the Santarém Plateau is underway.

It is, he added, a “differentiating” project that aims to “bring Ribeira closer to Planalto, promote sustainable mobility by increasing the use of trains and with a significant impact on tourism”.

The city hall intends to present these two initiatives on 19 March, Saint Joseph's Day and Municipality Day, with the release of images of both projects.