The Azorean Government approved today a new support package for the renewal of degraded housing, which will benefit 22 households on the island of São Jorge.

The support allocated under the programme for the renewal of degraded housing represents an investment over 415 thousand Euros. With the support package approved today, the investment made on the island of São Jorge in this area amounts to 2.7 million Euros.

A total of 1300 families across the archipelago were covered by these support measures, representing a financial investment exceeding 21 million Euros.

The ceremony for the allocation of the support measures took place at São Jorge Youth Hostel this morning. The Regional Secretary for Labour and Social Solidarity, Ana Paula Marques, stated that over two hundred families have been covered by re-housing and lease incentive programmes as well as by measures intended to support the acquisition and renewal of degraded housing. These support programmes represent an investment of about 3.5 million Euros.

The government official recalled that the housing policy conducted by the Government aims to improve the living conditions of families. The policies developed in this area have provided families with better housing conditions, allowing the preservation of building heritage. Moreover, they have also contributed to the maintenance of population in their villages of origin and boosted the local construction sector. "Many jobs have been saved through these support measures," said Ana Paula Marques.

The Regional Secretary for Labour and Social Solidarity further stressed that public investment in housing is only possible due to the rigorous management of regional accounts. "An attitude that has allowed us to help those in need," concluded the government official.