José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Regional Government's strategic investments in São Roque do Pico and Lajes do Pico - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, began the statutory visit to the island of Pico today, accompanied by his government members.

The agenda for the visit, which runs until Friday, began with a meeting with the Lajes do Pico Town Council and was followed by a meeting with the São Roque do Pico municipality.

The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the joint work between the Regional Government and the Lajes do Pico Town Council, emphasising that "the municipality's demands have borne fruit through the Government's commitment." He also announced the creation of an incubator for young entrepreneurs in a municipal project intended to boost local entrepreneurship.

One of the main projects announced for Lajes do Pico is the new Health Centre, whose architectural design service will soon be awarded.

"Our commitment is to address this need as quickly as possible," stated José Manuel Bolieiro. He added that a new state-of-the-art X-ray machine will be acquired by the end of the year, with co-funding from the Azores 2030 programme and the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), improving the health care provided to the population.

The President of the Government paid tribute to the professionals at the Lajes do Pico Health Centre, recognising their contribution to increasing the productivity of medical care, even in adverse conditions, also noting that 3,180 consultations were carried out in 2024 by specialist doctors who travelled to Pico, a 9% increase compared to 2023. Regarding these consultations, 52% were in physiatry and otorhinolaryngology. In turn, medical examinations increased by 97%, totalling 257 examinations, with 64% in cardiology. Teleconsultations also saw a significant increase of 78%, with 137 carried out.

Agricultural accessibility, a common challenge for several municipalities, was also discussed. José Manuel Bolieiro assured that the Rosada Road will be completed as soon as the weather permits as will the Boto de Leite Road.

As far as air accessibility is concerned, the President of the Government stated that the Government is working with SATA to prevent a reduction in the number of flights available. Regarding the study on the runway expansion at Pico Airport, he said: "The Government does not compromise on obtaining good information for a sustained decision," maintaining constant dialogue with the three municipalities on Pico Island. 

The Mayor of Lajes do Pico, Ana Brum, highlighted the positive collaboration between the municipality and the Regional Government, acknowledging that, despite the demands, there has been joint and progressive work.

On Thursday, the Government will meet with the Pico Island Council. Other visits and meetings are planned, including the opening of the repair works to the jetty at Lajes do Pico port.

In São Roque do Pico, José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised the Azorean Government's commitment to the partnership with the municipality to invest in the development of the local bay, starting with the coastline protection work. 

The project includes the construction of a breakwater with slopes of approximately 650 metres, which will extend from the natural pool area to Largo D. Diniz, creating a new inland port basin of around 25 thousand square metres.

This infrastructure will provide for the installation of floating structures to operate smaller vessels and improve accessibility in the coastal area.

The President of the Government confirmed that work is underway to improve agricultural and forest roads, thus responding to the mayors' concerns.

The Mayor of São Roque do Pico, Luís Filipe Silva, praised the Government's collaborative approach and expressed his satisfaction at the commitment to structuring investments that will boost the municipality's development.