Another critical factor pointed out by the expert is the sedimentation of the riverbed, particularly in the area of the Coimbra bridge dam, which reduces the drainage capacity and increases the frequency of floods. Added to this, according to the engineer, is a chronic lack of maintenance of hydraulic infrastructures in Portugal.
“We build, but we are not good at planning conservation. When there is money, we do works; then there is no money to maintain”he criticized, comparing the situation with the accelerated degradation of modern buildings.
Regarding the current increase in the Mondego’s flow, Alfeu Sá Marques considers that the situation has been well managed by the authorities, namely the Portuguese Environment Agency and Civil Protection. The rupture of the fuse dike in Baixo Mondego, he explained, occurred exactly as predicted in the safety scenarios.
“The system worked as it was supposed to work”, he stated, estimating that the maximum flow in Coimbra will hardly exceed 1,600 cubic meters per second, a high value, but far from a catastrophic scenario. Even so, he left a clear warning: without Girabolhos and without changes in territorial planning, the structural risk remains.
The former professor highlighted the importance of scientific communication with society. “One of the reasons why citizens pay universities is so that knowledge can be explained to people”, he stated.
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