José Manuel Bolieiro highlights proximity and cooperation for development of Pico Island - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, reiterated on Thursday the Azorean Government's commitment to developing the island of Pico, during a meeting with the Island Council. He stressed the importance of ongoing "dialogue" with local authorities to "strengthen cooperation" and respond to the challenges the island faces.

"This was a successful Island Council, where the questions raised about the projects being developed by the Azorean Government were answered," he said, highlighting the progress made on several issues previously identified by the members of the council. 

"This close dialogue with the municipalities is essential so that we can adjust our public policies to their actual needs," he added.

Among the topics discussed was the need to improve accessibility by air and inter-island, stressing the importance of Pico as a gateway for territorial connections. 

The head of the Regional Government stressed that "accessibility is a common challenge for several municipalities," acknowledging the complexity of the matter and the need to provide adequate solutions.

The President of the Government also expressed his satisfaction with the decision taken by the Board of Directors of the SATA Group to increase air links to Pico Island, considering it "an opportunity to develop tourism in the high season."

In addition to accessibility issues, structuring projects were discussed, such as the construction of the new Lajes do Pico Health Centre, due to be completed in 2028. By the end of the year, a new state-of-the-art X-ray machine will be purchased, with co-funding from the Azores 2030 programme and the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), which will improve the health care provided to the population. This investment will also upgrade the technological resources available to local health services.

José Manuel Bolieiro also assured the intervention in rural, agricultural and forest roads, which are also leisure and tourism routes, highlighting the Government's commitment to benefiting these infrastructures.

“Beyond the priority of expanding the runway, which remains a priority, we underline the importance of accessibility to guarantee the island's sustained development,” concluded the President of the Regional Government.