Regional Government exercises its responsibilities on water supply to agriculture on Corvo Island, ensures João Ponte
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry ensured that the Regional Government exercises it responsibilities on the provision of water supply to farms on all islands of the archipelago, even on those where it neither has sources of supply nor manages distribution networks, such as the case of Corvo.
“A clear and unambiguous evidence of this fact was the decision made by the Regional Government to reinforce the water storage capacity for farms with the construction of a 250-cubic metre water reservoir,” said João Ponte.
“The situation of Corvo Island is a particular case in the regional context. In fact, throughout its history, the municipal authority has always been responsible for the provision of water supply to agriculture, through the construction of water collection, storage and distribution systems, as well as for its the maintenance and repair," said the Regional Secretary. According to him, the municipality has occasionally requested support from the Regional Government, which is readily provided.
The government official spoke in Ponta Delgada at the end of a hearing at the Committee on Economic Affairs of the Legislative Assembly regarding a resolution submitted by PPM (People's Monarchist Party). It calls on the Regional Government to assume all the logistical and financial responsibilities on the construction, repair and maintenance of agricultural reservoirs on the island of Corvo.
On the occasion, João Ponte announced that the new water reservoir for the area of Entrecancelas on Corvo Island is nearing completion, a work that will enable the storage of 250 cubic metres of water; IROA - Regional Institute of Agrarian Planning expects to launch the tender in November.
This work will be a relevant contribution to strengthening the water storage capacity on the island and improving the working conditions of Corvo farmers.
“The aim is to have this new water reservoir completed before next summer, which will later be delivered to the municipality. The latter is responsible for the management and maintenance of the entire water supply network for agriculture, being endowed with the necessary human and technical resources," stated João Ponte. As he added, “neither the agricultural association nor farmers nor even the municipality have reported water shortage problems on the island."
The Regional Secretary rejected any lack of responsibility on the Regional Government's part in this area, while reiterating that Corvo farmers have never been in disadvantage due to the municipal management of the water supply network.
“Throughout different municipal terms, IROA has been supporting specific interventions requested by the municipality to maintain or repair existing water reservoirs,” João Ponte ensured, noting that regular working meetings have been held between both entities.
As the smallest island in the Azores with a utilised agricultural area of 1,000 hectares, Corvo currently has 49 farms and 1,069 bovine animals.