It is essential that the State provide guarantees to families, says Andreia Cardoso
The Regional Secretariat for Social Solidarity stated in Praia da Vitória that it is "essential" that the State's public entities "may provide guarantees to families," namely as regards to support in the access to adequate housing.
"This is what we are doing here today, ensuring that 28 families are entitled to decent housing, with safety and comfort conditions as desired by all families in the Region," stressed Andreia Cardoso. She spoke at the signing ceremony of lease contracts intended to rehouse the families living in precarious houses in Serra de Santiago, municipality of Praia da Vitória.
This investment follows the signing of an ARAAL contract between the Government and the municipality of Praia da Vitória to finance the operation for the eradication of shacks in Serra de Santiago, a three million-Euro investment supported by the Region.
In her speech, Andreia Cardoso stressed that the rent stipulated under the lease scheme in force, under which the contracts were signed, is a "fair amount" insofar as it takes into consideration the socio-economic features of each family.
Andreia Cardoso stated that "on average, the families living in social housing developments in the Region benefit from a lease subsidy that stands at 85%." This allows them to maintain a level of disposable income for basic expenses that are essential to survival with decent conditions.
"These contracts allow a reduction in the amount of income," the Regional Secretary stressed, considering that it is "a substantial discount in the amount that each family would have to pay."
The Praia da Vitória City Hall has selected the families from a universe over one hundred people. It will also be responsible for monitoring the process of transition to the new homes and ensure the full demolition of the houses that will be vacant and the redevelopment of vacant spaces in Serra de Santiago.
This afternoon, the Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity will chair the public draw of 12 homes in Canada do Breado Neighbourhood in the village of Santa Luzia. The events will take place in Angra do Heroísmo.
The units will be allocated under lease scheme with purchase option, which will represent an annual investment of about 41 thousand Euros on the part of the Regional Government.