José Manuel Bolieiro reiterates commitment to Santa Maria at opening of port renovation works
Presidência do Governo Regional
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the opening ceremony of the renovation works of the Vila do Porto Commercial Port on the island of Santa Maria.
The intervention, prompted by the damage caused by Hurricane Lorenzo, represented an overall investment of 22.1 million Euros. It was intended to not only repair the damage but also structurally reinforce the resilience and functionality of the port infrastructure.
"We are turning adversity into opportunity, with an intervention that goes beyond repair, consolidating conditions of operability, safety and resilience," stated José Manuel Bolieiro.
The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the Regional Government's strategic commitment to protecting and modernising the Region's infrastructure. He emphasised that "infrastructures are subject to accelerated wear and tear, and it is up to the Government to take action with planning and respond to unforeseen events."
Co-financed by European funds under the Compete2020 and Sustentável2030 programmes, the works contract covered repairs to the protective layer on the headland and breakwater, repaving of the quay platform, and renovation of affected infrastructures.
Among the technical solutions adopted, the following stand out: reinforcement with tetrapod blocks and antifer block armour layers, the construction of a new reinforced concrete slab to raise the quay level, and the construction of a building for port operations, which will house the administrative services of the Regional Port Authorities.
José Manuel Bolieiro made a point of recalling the impact of Hurricane Lorenzo in 2019, noting that "recovery from the damage has been long and demanding. Nevertheless, with national solidarity, the support of the National Government and the planned Community financial resources," it has been possible to provide an effective response.
The President of the Government also highlighted the importance of this project for reinforcing the safety of port operations and the territorial cohesion of the island of Santa Maria, acknowledging the role of all entities involved in the project.
The work was carried out by the Sacyr Somague / AFA Vias / AFA Vias Açores consortium under the supervision of Norma Açores. The project was developed by Consulmar. The overall investment of 22,169,300.00 Euros reflects the priority given by the Regional Government to the recovery and development of strategic infrastructures, aligned with the commitments made in the Programme of the Government.
"Today, with difficulties overcome, we unveil this plaque with satisfaction and confidence in the future," concluded José Manuel Bolieiro.
The ceremony, which was part of the Government's statutory visit to Santa Maria, was attended by several regional and local authorities, highlighting the institutional importance of the investment made.
In attendance were the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral; the Mayor of Vila do Porto, Bárbara Chaves; the Regional Director for Mobility, Francisco Bettencourt; the President of the Board of Directors of Portos dos Açores, S. A., Sancha Costa Santos; the President of the Parish Council of Vila do Porto, Eduardo Cambraia, as well as the Administrators of Portos dos Açores, S.A., Filipe Mendonça and Paulo Luís.