The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology revealed today that the procedures for the awarding of three contract works for coastal protection interventions on the island of São Jorge.

Speaking during a visit to Fajã de Santo Cristo, Fausto Brito e Abreu stated that "the Regional Government is investing in the management and rehabilitation of the coastal areas as well as in the monitoring and promotion of marine environmental actions."

"The interventions to protect the coastline of Urzelina, located near the Ethnographic Museum and the Caminho do Açougue, and Fajã dos Vimes represent an investment of around 235 thousand Euros," said the Regional Secretary.

"Bearing in mind the issues of climate change and the expected rise in sea level, it is necessary to take measures to protect our islands, our people and our economic activities," added the government official.

During his visit the Fajã of Caldeira de Santo Cristo, the Regional Secretary for the Sea also mentioned that "the project regarding the intervention to improve the access to the 'fajã' is under preparation and is expected to be concluded in May, followed by the respective tender procedures."

The works in the Fajã of Caldeira de Santo Cristo includes the protection of the coastline, through the placement of rockfill near the access road to the path connects Fajã dos Cubres to Fajã de Santo Cristo. In addition, the intervention also includes the repair and construction of culverts, improvement of pavements and small walls as well as the construction of a car park at the end of the access road in order to reduce the traffic of motor vehicles by the lake.

"The overall price and the completion period of the works will only be confirmed after submission of the project," said Brito e Abreu.