José Manuel Bolieiro delivers vehicle to Salvaterra and opens school playground on Santa Maria Island - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

During the Azorean Government's statutory visit to the island of Santa Maria, the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, announced ttoday two important investments underlining the Government's commitment to the island's social and educational development: the delivery of an electric vehicle to the Salvaterra Association and the opening of the new playground at the Santa Maria Basic Education and Secondary School. 

These actions, accompanied by the Regional Secretaries for Health and Social Security, and for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, symbolise "the recognition of the structural role that Santa Maria plays in the archipelago as a whole and the Government's firm commitment to investing in its present and future," stated the President of the Government. 

The delivery of an electric vehicle to the Mariense Development and Solidarity Association – Salvaterra, as part of the GERMOV programme, represents a significant step towards the modernisation and sustainability of social responses on the island. The institution currently serves 133 users and has two facilities: a Community Centre and a Social Centre. This has increased its capacity to respond and mobilise in serving the population.

"Supporting caregivers is a priority for our Government. This vehicle is not just a means of transport: it is a tool for dignity, inclusion and proximity," stated José Manuel Bolieiro.

In 2025, the association will receive more than 140 thousand Euros in funding from Social Security, reflecting the Government's continued support for entities in the solidarity sector.

Also, during the first day of his official visit, the President of the Government opened the refurbished sports field at the Santa Maria Basic Education and Secondary School, a project carried out under the Participatory Budget of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. The project included the renovation of the surrounding area, the improvement of outdoor equipment for physical education, and the upgrading of access to the new sports hall.

With an investment of 41 thousand Euros, the work was carried out by the local company André Oliveira – Sociedade Unipessoal Lda., and represents, for the President of the Government, "an exemplary achievement of civic participation."

“When citizens have an active voice, investments become more accurate and useful. This redevelopment is a direct result of participatory democracy, in which the population of Santa Maria clearly stated what was needed, and we listened,” stated José Manuel Bolieiro.

Alongside this project, work was also carried out on the school fence, with an additional investment of about 77 thousand Euros funded by the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures.

The actions now implemented are part of a wider strategy to harness the unique potential of Santa Maria, where the Regional Government has been making comprehensive investments in social, educational, infrastructure and environmental areas, with a view to strengthening regional cohesion and promoting balanced development across all islands.

“Santa Maria is an island with a strong identity, entrepreneurial spirit and a close-knit community. This Government is proud to invest in this land as we believe in its strategic role for the progress of the Azores as a whole,” stated the President of the Regional Government.

José Manuel Bolieiro concluded the visit by emphasising that "public investment only makes sense when it truly improves people's lives" and thanked everyone involved for their "sense of mission, coordination and commitment to the community of Santa Maria."