José Manuel Bolieiro announces new investments for Graciosa - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, took part in a meeting with the Graciosa Island Council on Tuesday, as part of his statutory visit, stressing the importance of dialogue and cooperation with the local community.

He described the meeting as "very productive," stressing that the memorandum presented to the Government allowed Government members to "provide the necessary clarifications to the Council members present."

José Manuel Bolieiro expressed his satisfaction with the solution found for the concession and operation of the Carapacho Thermal Spa, considering that this decision will boost thermal tourism in the Region.

"In granting the concession for that space, we are making the Carapacho Thermal Spa an anchor for thermal and wellness tourism in the Azores, with health treatments and not just a spa and leisure centre," he said.

The President of the Government also highlighted the investments being made on the island, particularly in housing, which, even without a housing shortage, "generates opportunities for the population to settle."

In the health sector, the President of the Government highlighted the expansion of the Graciosa Health Centre building to install CT scanners and their respective support systems. He also pointed out the laying of the foundation stone for the remodelling of the Santa Cruz Health Centre, where the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Santa Cruz da Graciosa will set up a residential facility for the elderly.

As for agriculture, the head of the Azorean Government emphasised the international Welfair Animal Welfare certification of the island's slaughterhouse, a recognition that further boosts the quality and sustainability of local production.

The President of the Government also recalled structuring investments for the island, such as the new terminal building at Graciosa aerodrome or the delivery of the Marina da Barra Project. Additionally, he highlighted the ARAAL contract signed with the Santa Cruz Municipal Council for the implementation of this project, reiterating the Regional Government's commitment to the development of local infrastructures.

In response to the concerns expressed by the Council members, the President of the Government assured that the Government is attentive to several matters, such as the road section between Santa Cruz and São Mateus, which will involve an investment exceeding two million Euros.

Regarding the operation of the Graciosa Basic Education and Secondary School, he assured that this is a shared responsibility between the school and the Government, which will continue to provide the necessary support.

Regarding maritime livestock transport, a concern expressed by producers, José Manuel Bolieiro confirmed that efforts are being made to increase journey frequency.

"We are working to ensure that the maritime livestock transport service becomes weekly rather than fortnightly, guaranteeing greater predictability and better conditions for producers," he said.

During the first day of his statutory visit, the President of the Government reiterated the Regional Government's commitment to Graciosa Island, stressing the importance of transparency, dialogue and collaboration.

"The Azorean Government is a partner of Graciosa, and we will do everything we can to continue responding to the needs of the island and its population," he concluded.