José Manuel Bolieiro begins statutory visit to Pico to listen, decide and move forward with structural projects for the island - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The Azorean Government, chaired by José Manuel Bolieiro, began today its first statutory visit of 2026 on Pico Island. This three-day trip includes meetings with the island's three municipalities and the Pico Island Council to strengthen institutional ties and listen to local stakeholders.

"The main goal is to renew dialogue with local authorities and stakeholders, to listen, analyse and build joint solutions," stated the head of the Azorean Government at the beginning of the visit, which began with a working meeting at the Lajes do Pico Town Hall.

Among the topics discussed was the new Lajes do Pico Health Centre. The President of the Regional Government explained that the initial project was subject to technical assessment by the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, and changes were deemed necessary to ensure greater functionality and efficiency.

"I would like to present the project during this statutory visit. The first draft received proposals for changes, as it did not fully correspond to the more rational and effective perspective that we advocate. Our commitment is to ensure that this is done properly and within the timeframe that is now possible," he said,  adding that the Government expects to present the architectural design by the end of the first half of 2026 and then proceed with the launch of the public procurement procedure for the completion of the work.

The President of the Government recalled that, since the beginning of this term, the strategic option had been taken to construct a new building in partnership with the municipality, which is granting the land, emphasising that this solution aims to "serve the population well in accessing primary healthcare."

In terms of accessibility, the situation of the regional road between Lajes do Pico and Piedade was under analysis, as it had been affected by landslides following excessive rainfall recorded at the beginning of the year. The Government promoted interventions to consolidate slopes, with the first one already validated by the Regional Civil Engineering Laboratory.

"We are awaiting verification of the second intervention. This is an important route for the municipality, and all decisions were made with people's safety as a priority," José Manuel Bolieiro stated, noting that the closure of the road was solely for safety reasons.

Social issues were also addressed, namely the need to increase the capacity of daycare centres and free time occupation centres in the municipality. It was agreed to promote an adjustment of understandings between the Town Council, the Institute for Social Security of the Azores and the managing institution, with a view to increasing vacancies. In the fisheries sector, a technical and topographical survey is underway to find, in partnership with the local authority, a solution to improve the capacity of the Lajes do Pico fish processing facility and increase support for the local fishing community.

Regarding cooperation with local authorities, particularly in the context of ARAAL contracts, José Manuel Bolieiro reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and rigour.

"We have been cooperating with maximum transparency. Applications that have been duly submitted and are in compliance with the terms have been approved. When they are not submitted in accordance with the applicable terms, they cannot be considered," he clarified.

The President of the Government also acknowledged the legitimacy of local demands, but stressed the need for responsible management of public resources.

“I understand that people want more and want it as quickly as possible. However, we cannot do everything at once for everyone. We take action within the limits of our financial capabilities and the constraints of public procurement and the market itself,” he said.

At the end of the meeting, the President of the Government assured that there was mutual understanding between the Azorean Government and the Municipality of Lajes do Pico, chaired by Ana Brum.

"There is absolutely no negative discrimination. We seek to overcome partisan views in institutional relations. What matters is the Azores, and it is for the Azoreans that we work and to whom we are accountable," he concluded.