The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity announced on Thursday that the Government of the Azores will purchase 11 controlled-cost houses in Sete Cidades Allotment for leasing with a purchase option.

Speaking on the sidelines of the closing session of the first meeting of the cycle "Conversas sobre o Cuidar" in Ponta Delgada, Piedade Lalanda stated that the Azorean Government will open a public tender for the submission of applications. During the selection process, priority status will be awarded to families with fiscal residence in the village of Sete Cidades.

With this measure, the Regional Government aims to "facilitate the access of families to housing, particularly those from Sete Cidades" and "meet the village's aspirations."

The Azorean Government also intends to "privilege young couples and families from Sete Cidades" by giving "a new impetus to the maintenance of families" in the village.

The acquisition of dwellings was established under an agreement between the Azorean Government and the construction company AFAVIAS - Engenharia e Construções - Açores, SA. Currently, company is about to restart the works to complete the houses; the works are estimated to be concluded by the end of the 1st quarter of 2014.

This initiative stems from the efforts undertaken by the Government of the Azores among the construction company building the Sete Cidades Allotment with the ultimate goal of supporting families in this village.