José Manuel Bolieiro reiterates "commitment to development" of São Roque do Pico - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

This afternoon, as part of the statutory visit to Pico Island, the Regional Government met with the Mayor of São Roque do Pico, Luís Filipe Silva, to discuss matters of relevance to the municipality and the island.

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, emphasised the important role of local government in developing the islands, stressing his "confidence" in the partnership with the São Roque do Pico municipality.

"This statutory visit to Pico Island, especially the municipality of São Roque do Pico, confirms that it is possible, with the consistency of our public policies and territorial development decisions, to fulfil an old dream of generations regarding the intervention in the  São Roque do Pico bay," he said.

Among the measures announced was the launch of the tender for the coastal protection and planning work in the São Roque do Pico bay. With a budget of 35 million Euros, the project aims to add value and improve conditions in that town.

The refurbishment of the São Roque do Pico Health Centre was also highlighted, a concern of the town council due to the building's advanced disrepair. The Regional Government has committed to investing an estimated amount of three million Euros to improve the conditions of this health centre.

Also in this municipality, the head of the Azorean Government presided over the presentation of the Project for the Reconstruction and Expansion of the Residential Structure for the Elderly (ERPI) and the creation of a Day Centre at the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de São Roque do Pico. The institution currently supports 241 users and faces challenges due to 19 people on the waiting list for this ERPI.

The project includes the expansion of the structure with the creation of 32 new rooms that will provide 60 vacancies for the ERPI and 20 for the Day Centre. With a budget of about 4.8 million Ruros and funded under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), this project aims to ensure compliance with applicable legislation and improve the support conditions for users.

"The creation of a Day Centre in São Roque do Pico is an essential response to the needs of our population, ensuring them an adequate space with the necessary conditions to promote their quality of life. We are investing in the future of our most experienced generations and the consolidation of social cohesion," stressed José Manuel Bolieiro.

The project will not only improve Santa Casa's response capacity but also generate a positive social impact by supporting families and caregivers, thus promoting active and healthy ageing in the Region.

The statutory visit confirms the Government's commitment to continue strengthening local partnerships and implementing strategic investments for the quality of life on Pico Island.