"The Government's good governance and the care placed in the development of works throughout the archipelago have prevented the stagnation of investments in Region despite the rigour and restraints of the national situation," stressed the Regional Secretary for the Economy in São Roque do Pico on Wednesday morning. The government official recalled that the Regional Government continues to invest, thus playing a very important role either in the economic enhancement of sectors affected by the crisis, such as the construction sector, or in the development of infrastructures that have the capacity to foster new investments and the creation of jobs in order to overcome the current difficulties."
Vasco Cordeiro spoke during the presentation ceremony of the project for the redevelopment of São Roque do Pico port, an investment of nearly 40 million Euros, dismissing the criticisms "that some will make, particularly those who the had the opportunity to do so in the past; some might say that this work comes late or that should have been done a long time ago." The government official regretted that "in this new analysis one forgets an aspect that has become essential: it is of utmost importance to maintain this fundamental asset for our Region which is the efficient management of our public finances."
The Regional Secretary for the Economy reminded that we are living in "times of rigour and restraint," stressing, however, that "these statements are not new. On the contrary, they have always guided our governance activities and are part of the Azorean political identity. I think it is now recognised by all, although some do not disguise their discontent with this fact, that these are two great qualities of the Azorean Government, being recognised both nationally and internationally." The project presented on Wednesday includes the construction of a passenger terminal, mooring berths, a roll on/roll off ramp and a recreational boating area, in addition to the works to reinforce port safety conditions.
According to the government official, this is "a structural investment for the "Triangle" islands (Pico, Faial and São Jorge) because it will consolidate maritime transport."
Apart from the project presented on Wednesday, the interventions carried out by the Azorean Government at the Madalena and Velas ports, the interventions in Horta seafront and the entry into operation of the new ferry boats for inter-island maritime passenger and vehicle transport are part of "a government strategy aimed at the economic recovery of the "Triangle" islands, the creation of a regional internal market and the improvement of the mobility of people and goods."
Vasco Cordeiro conveyed his "pride in the quite revolution" that has been undertaken in the regional maritime transport as it allows the Azores to "recover the lost time" and be "in forefront of their relationship with the sea."
The project presented includes the construction of a 390 m breakwater pier, a 12,000 m2 levelled ground with roll on/roll off ramps and a Passenger Terminal. This infrastructure will have the capacity to receive large-sized recreational vessels in a pier section next to the breakwater head, which will be also possible with the construction of a recreational boating area which includes a travel lift and a support area in a 6.800 m2 levelled ground.