The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity reiterated today in Praia da Vitória that the Government plans to make an investment over 25 million Euros in the construction and renewal of social infrastructures for different areas of intervention in the current legislative term.

Piedade Lalanda spoke at the ceremony of laying the first stone for the construction works to renew D. Pedro V Elderly Home on the island of Terceira. This is a 1.4 million Euro investment which is financially supported by the Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity.

In her speech, the government official stressed that these works are intended "to improve comfort conditions and the response provided to the needs" of the 58 elderly living in that home. She added that the renewal works, which are included in the Regional Public Works Charter, have a completion period of 240 days after the awarding of the contract work.

For the Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity, "the Azorean Path is also built on the improvement of the living conditions of the community by promoting investments that are an opportunity to revitalise companies and, simultaneously, support the most vulnerable citizens and their families."

"From the very first moment, public solidarity policies have been a priority for the Government of the Azores," said the government official.

With the works that started today, the municipality of Praia da Vitória will be provided with 17 services and facilities for the elderly which currently support 790 people; this represents an increase of 143 percent compared to 1996.

As result of this additional investment, the island of Terceira will benefit from 51 services and infrastructures with a capacity for 2,700 vacancies; the latter are subsidised by the Social Security. This investment is "an important support to the elderly and their families," said Piedade Lalanda.

For the current legislative period, the Regional Secretary revealed that the Government will build two residential homes for people with disabilities on the island of Terceira: one in Praia da Vitória and another in Angra do Heroísmo. The planned interventions also include the construction of three residential homes for the elderly in Altares, São Sebastião and Cinco Ribeiras.

The Government will also renew the facilities where the homeless shelter is installed as well as two day nurseries and a kindergarten in Angra do Heroísmo.
For the Regional Secretary, these investments are "a clear sign that the dignity of living conditions of Azorean citizens are one of the main goals of the Government in addition to being a sign of hope in the revitalisation of the different sectors of the economy, particularly of the construction sector."

Piedade Lalanda praised the work developed and the adaptation capacity demonstrated by social institutions, "which are aware of the need to optimise resources with neglecting quality of responses provided to citizens." The Regional Secretary stated that she counts on the support of these institutions as "they play a relevant role in the fostering of social economy, being the support of family network."

Moreover, the government official conveyed "to board and employees of D. Pedro V Elderly Home the Regional Government's appraisal for their work, entrepreneurial attitude, dedication and quality services provided to the elderly under their care, which dignifies the history of this Home."