Works in São Vicente Ferreira are "firm" step to increase public housing supply, defended Artur Lima - Communication

Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional

The Vice-President of the Regional Government of the Azores, Artur Lima, signed today the works contract for the installation of infrastructures in the São Vicente Ferreira neighbourhood, municipality of Ponta Delgada, with the company Albano Vieira, S.A. The works have an estimated cost of 552 thousand Euros.

"This is an investment of the Vice-Presidency of the Government under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) amounting to 552 thousand Euros, with an estimated completion period of 180 days," announced the government official.

The works contract will include the road network, the water supply network, the rainwater and wastewater drainage networks, the public lighting network and telecommunications.

"Subsequently, 17 new houses will be built in this parish," said Artur Lima. He spoke at the contract signing ceremony that took place this morning at the Main Hall of the Parish Council of São Vicente Ferreira.

According to the government official, this is "another safe step" not only for the successful accomplishment of the established goals under the RRP but also for the "increase of public housing supply."

"Today, we have taken another step. A firm and determined step that this is the right path that will allow us to overcome the difficulties that many feel when looking for a house for their family," he stated.

Without neglecting those who need it most, Artur Lima reiterated that the Regional Government will favour the "lease with purchase option" scheme.

"Leaseholders will have the possibility of buying the property if they so wish, at any time. This will prevent them from having to resort to bank credit at the beginning of their family life," he said.

At today's session, the Government Vice-President stressed that this is a "long-awaited investment," pointing out that the building was issued on March 30, 2015, but "never went beyond an unfulfilled intention."

"This is the difference between the current Government and the previous one. We deliver our promises. We do not rush to announce mere intentions," he said.

Artur Lima recalled that despite the external constraints that have influenced the implementation of RRP investments in the area of housing, the disbursement targets agreed for 2021 have been met.

"Our strategy in terms of housing is not limited to the Recovery and Resilience Plan," said the Vice-President. In this context, he recalled that since the beginning of the current legislative period "30 million Euros have already been invested in direct support to Azoreans, through the various support programmes of the Regional Directorate for Housing."