José Manuel Bolieiro guarantees that new access tunnel to Ribeira Quente in São Miguel will move forward

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, opened today the access semi-tunnel to Ribeira Quente, municipality of Povoação, making a committement to move forward with a new access tunnel to the parish of Povoação.

In response to the "satisfaction with what has been achieved" and opened today and "which fulfils a long-held ambition," José Manuel Bolieiro assured that the tender will be launched in the first half of 2024 and that a "solution tailored to the people and institutions" will be found for the creation of an access tunnel to the parish.

"This is the commitment and prospective vision that I am launching here on behalf of the Government," he emphasised, estimating the amount planned for the new tunnel at up to 20 million Euros.

As for the semi-tunnel opened today, with a budget of about six million Euros, it is a "true work of engineering art" - a "complex" endeavour that secures increased safety while maintaining the "distinctive beauty" of the area's natural surroundings.

"We are trying to make the enjoyment of nature compatible with the adoption of measures to prevent risks to human safety as we travel through it," said the President of the Government.

He added: "It is a masterpiece of engineering and territorial improvement that generates confidence," particularly for the population of Ribeira Quente.