Maria João Carreiro launches first phase of construction project for 22 new houses in Graciosa - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego

The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, presided over the laying of the first stone for the construction of three three-bedroom houses on the island of Graciosa, an investment of €710,000 financed under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) for the Region.

The new dwellings, including two located in the Barão Fonte do Mato housing development in the parish of São Mateus and one in the Dores housing development in the parish of Santa Cruz da Graciosa, are intended for permanent residence. They will be allocated on a lease with purchase option scheme, through a public tender to be launched after completion of the construction work.

The works contract was awarded to the company Vila Jardim with a completion period of 300 days.

"Commitment to the decision and pride in the action," declared Maria João Carreiro. She pointed out that the construction of these three new houses is only the first phase of a larger housing project for the Barão Fonte do Mato development, which also includes servicing 19 plots.

"The second phase of this development comprises the servicing of 19 plots that will lead to the construction of 19 houses, thereby ensuring decent housing, increasing the housing supply and stabilising the population on Graciosa Island," he said.

According to the Regional Secretary, the project for servicing 19 plots is nearing completion, followed by the launch of a public tender for the construction work.

In addition to these 22 new housing responses, the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Housing, has already renovated five houses under the RRP, with an investment of over €259,000.

"With RRP, we are expanding the range of housing solutions available, improving families' living conditions and providing housing opportunities, particularly for young people at prices compatible with their income," she stressed.

362 new housing solutions financed under the RRP are currently being implemented in the Azores, representing an investment of over €43.6 million.

This is the most significant investment ever made in housing in the Azores. It will enable the expansion of public housing adapted to different circumstances and age groups, including young people, middle-class families, single-parent families, and disadvantaged households.

“All of us – the Regional Government, local authorities, construction companies, housing cooperatives already established or in the process of being set up – have a civic duty to work together to promote a fair, equitable and inclusive housing policy,” stressed Maria João Carreiro.