José Manuel Bolieiro guarantees new solutions for Corvo in housing, accessibility, and supply - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, met today with the Municipal Council of Corvo, accompanied by the Regional Government, as part of the statutory visit to this Western Group island, where he underlined the "excellent institutional relations" and the full alignment between both entities in defining priorities for the development of Corvo.

The head of the Azorean Government highlighted that ongoing dialogue among the Regional Government, the local municipality, and local stakeholders has led to the development of practical solutions to address the island's specific challenges.

​"There is an excellent understanding between the Government of the Azores and the municipality of Corvo. We share priorities and work together to find solutions that improve the quality of life of Corvo's residents and promote the island's development," stated José Manuel Bolieiro.

Among the main topics addressed was the reinforcement of freight supply to Corvo, a solution resulting from joint efforts undertaken by the Regional Government, the municipality, and local business owners.

José Manuel Bolieiro recalled the creation of a chartered vessel service dedicated to the regular freight transport to the island. This measure addressed a long-identified need of both the population and the local business sector.

"This was a solution built together. We listened to the municipality, we listened to business owners, and we found an answer that today strengthens the frequency and reliability of supply to Corvo," he declared.

Another priority identified regards the redevelopment of the municipal access road to the Waste Processing Centre, known as the ‘Pão de Açúcar’ municipal road. With this in mind, the Government and the municipality intend to establish a new technical and financial cooperation agreement for repairing and resurfacing that road. This investment could amount to €1 million.

The President of the Government also highlighted the recent amendment to the Financial Scheme for Local Authorities, considering it a matter of fairness for Corvo.

He explained: “We have made history by putting an end to an injustice that had been dragging on for decades. Corvo is the only municipality in the country that holds both municipal and parish powers by law, so it made no sense for it to continue to be excluded from the Parish Funding Fund.”

José Manuel Bolieiro expressed his expectation that this amendment will take effect as early as the next State Budget, boosting the municipality's financial capacity to meet the needs of Corvo's residents.

During the meeting, the process of expanding and refurbishing Corvo Airport was also discussed. The President of the Government recalled that the Council of the Government approved the launch of the design-build tender for the project on May 29, with a base price of €5.18 million, noting that the delays were due to a lack of proposals in tenders launched previously.

“There was no lack of will on the part of the Government. What happened was an insufficient market response, without any proposal. We remain determined to carry out this project, which is essential for improving the terminal’s operating conditions and the service provided to residents and visitors,” he emphasised.

Housing was also one of the main topics of the meeting. In this regard, José Manuel Bolieiro revealed that the Government and the local council had agreed on a cooperative solution to speed up the refurbishment of vacant properties, resorting, where necessary, to direct administration, given the difficulties in contracting building works on the island.

The Government of the Azores has already identified several properties suitable for refurbishment, as part of an initiative considered strategic for increasing the housing supply and creating the conditions to retain qualified professionals, particularly in the fields of health, education and other essential services.

“We are constantly developing Corvo. When there is understanding between the Government and the local authority, we can turn priorities into specific solutions for the population,” pointed out the President of the Government.

The meeting reinforced the joint commitment between the Government of the Azores and the municipality of Corvo to a development strategy based on institutional cooperation, close ties and the implementation of investments that meet the island’s specific needs.