Salgueiro wastewater treatment plant tender annulled

The public tender for the requalification of the Salgueiro Wastewater Treatment Plant (ETAR) has been annulled by the Associação de Municípios das Terras de Santa Maria. The decision follows the revelation that all submitted proposals failed to comply with the procedural requirements.

The project, valued at approximately 27 million euros, was intended to modernize the facility, improve sewage systems, and construct an urban flood park. Due to the annulment, a new tender must be launched with updated pricing and specifications. Officials estimate that, provided valid proposals are received, construction may not begin until the first half of 2027.

The delay continues to affect the population of Santiago de Riba Ul, who face ongoing issues with bad odors and environmental concerns. Documentation from the Portuguese Environment Agency has previously identified the plant's operation as 'deficient' and 'inadequate' due to an outdated system and insufficient treatment capabilities.