José Manuel Bolieiro reiterates commitment to progress of municipality of Calheta - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, met today with the municipality of Calheta, led by Mayor Décio Pereira, as part of the statutory visit to the island of São Jorge.

The meeting was an opportunity for detailed monitoring of ongoing projects and a clear definition of priorities for the municipality's future.

The head of the Azorean Government emphasised the importance of establishing priorities in the face of existing limitations: "There is so much to do, which often clashes with the human and technical limitations, a shortage of resources, and the impossibility to do everything simultaneously. For this reason, establishing priorities is of paramount importance.

One of the main themes was the definition of accessibility, with the redevelopment of Calheta seafront, an investment of six million Euros. 

"This is not a commitment we made today but it was enshrined in this meeting. By the end of this semester, we will sign an ARAAL contract to guarantee the predictability and beginning of the work during 2025 in several phases. The financial effort will be divided between the Regional Budget, the Municipal Budget and Community Funds. This priority is relevant as it changes the shape of the town of Calheta, ensuring its future development," noted José Manuel Bolieiro.

The Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo was another key point under discussion.

In this regard, José Manuel Bolieiro recalled that "the Azorean Government has made investments in Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo, involving various government departments in coordination with the local authority to ensure environmental, social and economic sustainability." 

According to José Manuel Bolieiro, the Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo is a competitive asset recognised worldwide. The Regional Government is particularly sensitive to the sustainable management of the area. As for health, the modernisation of the Calheta Health Centre was highlighted, with a growth in the installed capacity and the acquisition of new equipment, namely a new X-ray machine and a CT scanner.

"We do not have a spendthrift view of health but we do not have an economy-oriented view either," stated Bolieiro.

The President of the Government also emphasised the importance of joint work with municipalities.

He recalled: "In both meetings with the two São Jorge Island municipalities, I stressed the importance of dialogue and joint work between the municipalities and the Azorean Government."

The statutory visit takes place over three days. It includes various meetings and visits in strategic areas such as vocational education, agriculture, accessibility and other key issues for São Jorge's development.