"There is total commitment to solving problems in Santa Maria," assures José Manuel Bolieiro - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, met on Wednesday with the Santa Maria Island Council at a meeting he considered "enriching" and where local concerns were discussed, with particular emphasis on freight and passenger transport, health and housing.

During the meeting, particular attention was paid to the situation of maritime freight transport.

The head of the Azorean Government clarified that the constraints observed are not the result of governmental inaction, but rather of obstacles placed by operators and shipowners. He also noted that the Regional Government stands in solidarity with all islands and is "committed" to ensuring regular transport services, including increasing the frequency of services to the island of Santa Maria.

"The Government has already adopted a political and operational strategy to turn the fortnightly delivery into a weekly delivery, ensuring greater frequency in both the reception and dispatch of goods," José Manuel Bolieiro stated, adding that the new model cannot entail increased costs for the population of Santa Maria.

José Manuel Bolieiro assured that the Regional Government will maintain the dialogue with shipowners and operators in defence of the island's interests.

"We are fully committed to solving these problems, based on a study that guides us strategically. This is not an administrative act, but a negotiation that the Government is ready to continue," he said.

Despite the challenges, there was a 13% increase in cargo transported by sea (from 9.4 tonnes to 10.7 tonnes), while air cargo decreased by 14% (from 129 to 111 tonnes), which points to the importance of investing in maritime transport.

The President of the Government reiterated the Regional Government's intention to resume passenger ferry service between São Miguel and Santa Maria, a future ambition that is currently being considered and studied.

In the area of health, there was a significant increase in the number of consultations carried out by specialist doctors visiting Santa Maria. In 2024, the number of consultations rose to 3,412, an increase of 27% compared to the previous year, with more than half (54%) corresponding to the specialities of cardiology, dermatology, pulmonology and ophthalmology.

Regarding housing, the Government's commitment to structural investments that guarantee better living conditions for the population of Santa Maria was highlighted, namely the 35 million Euro investment in infrastructures in the 11 neighbourhoods of Santa Maria airport, which will make way for over a hundred new houses.

José Manuel Bolieiro rejected any suggestion that Santa Maria is being treated unfairly compared to the other islands in the archipelago.

“We do not want it to be said, because it is not true, that Santa Maria is being treated differently in a negative way, because there is a lack of interest in these problems. There is a total commitment to solving these problems,” stressed the President of the Government.

Accordingly, the Regional Government reiterated its commitment to maintaining a posture of active listening and responsible action to respond to the legitimate aspirations of the population of Santa Maria.