The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity stated that the Regional Government has supported the rehabilitation of several dwellings located in the three municipalities of Pico. Andreia Cardoso stressed that, in the current legislative period, a total of "72 processes have been authorised" on this island under several housing support programme, a public investment of around 630 thousand Euros.

During the Statutory Visit to Pico that ended today, the Regional Secretary authorised the allocation of support for the rehabilitation of 35 dwellings, representing a total investment of 415 thousand Euros.

These programmes will support 15 households residing in the municipality of Lages do Pico, amounting to 190 thousand Euros, 12 dwellings located in the municipality of Madalena, a public investment over 126 thousand Euros, and eight households residing in the municipality of S. Roque do Pico, a total investment of nearly 100 thousand Euros.
 
For Andreia Cardoso, "another 35 families will benefit from this support programme, corresponding to a total of 84 people whose ages range from a few months to 80 years. The government official added that "these are households that include children and the elderly and for whom the improvement of housing conditions bring the improvement if living conditions."

The Regional Secretary stressed that the allocation of support as well as the implementation of other measures under housing initiatives, such as the Families with Future programme, or social programmes, "demonstrate the priority status awarded by the Government to Azorean families and companies on a daily basis."

"The investment in the improvement of housing by ensuring safety, hygiene and comfort conditions is fundamental for the maintenance of populations in their areas of residence, thus preventing the abandonment of rural villages and ensuring the preservation of buildings," said the government official.

Andreia Cardoso also reiterated the need for careful management of the funds available, recalling that families supported under these programme are the result of the financial efforts of all Azoreans.