Artur Lima announces construction of 23 houses in Foros do Solmar development

Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional

The Vice-President of the Regional Government of the Azores, Artur Lima, chaired today the launching ceremony of the tender for the construction of a multi-family housing development in Foros do Solmar, municipality of Vila Franca do Campo, an investment of 2.2 million Euros plus VAT, funded under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).

"This project, which has a completion period of 540 days, includes the construction of 23 houses to be made available to the Azorean population, through public tender under a lease with purchase option scheme," he said.

The government official spoke today at the Açor Arena in Vila Franca do Campo.

On occasion, Artur Lima reiterated that "Vila Franca do Campo deserves this investment," highlighting the "effort of this Government" to "guarantee the completion of this project," which"should have been completed a long time ago."

"This is another step we are taking to increase the supply of housing available in São Miguel," stated the government official.

Looking back, the Vice-President of the Government stressed that this process has been underway since 2010 and that " there were many announcements until 2020, but all without any visible impact."

In June 2020, the previous Government decided to acquire this property, entering into a leasing contract with BPI Bank for an overall amount of two million Euros. It included the purchase of the building, the completion of the works and tax charges. The payment of the investment would be made through 18 half-yearly instalments.

It was due to a decision taken by the current Regional Government that the acquisition of the Foros do Solmar development from BPI Bank was anticipated for the amount of €1,061,552.88, paid in a single instalment.

"The decision of this Government to proceed with the purchase of the property seemed the most correct," as it was understood that "in order to complete the project, the Government should be the owner and not the lessee," explained Artur Lima.

Since then, as Artur Lima reminded, "efforts" have been undertaken to ensure that the drafting of architectural projects, the construction works and the licensing process with the Vila Franca do Campo Town Council and other necessary entities "will proceed expeditiously."

In a general approach to housing policy, the government official pointed out that the "Government's agenda in this matter involves the constant improvement of the housing offer for all population groups."

"Without ever forgetting the most disadvantaged, we are mainly focused on the middle class and young people who are looking for a house suitable for their life project," he said.