The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity restated on Corvo the Government's determination to counter the national trend to cut cost in the social area, thus assuring the continued promotion of a series of social policies that ensure equal access to all Azoreans.

"In a country where social support has been assumed as a cost that must be contained, the Government of the Azores regards the social area as an investment that will contribute to strengthening the cohesion of our territory," said Andreia Cardoso. The government official spoke during the presentation of project for the renewal and expansion of Elderly Home of "Santa Casa da Misericórdia" of Corvo, a ceremony attended by the President of the Government, Vasco Cordeiro.

Andreia Cardoso underlined that "the Regional Government's intervention in face the challenges posed by growing ageing of the population has been focused on the provision of responses and conditions that contribute to maintenance of the elderly in their space of reference." The government official assured that, in addition to the investment made in terms of responses and services that contribute to the maintenance of the elderly in their community, the Government has also reinforced the capacity and quality of elderly homes.

In his speech, the Regional Secretary stressed that the presentation of this project is the result of a commitment made by the President of the Azorean Government to Corvo islanders. Today's ceremony marks the beginning of its implementation and demonstrates the determination of the Azorean Government in fulfilling its commitments taken to the Azorean people.

The project for the renewal, improvement and expansion of the Elderly Home of "Santa Casa da Misericórdia" of Corvo has an estimated budget of 700 thousand Euros.   The interventions are expected to increase its capacity to 17 users as well as to improve comfort and sheltering conditions, and the provision of services