The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity authorised today the allocation of 32 support measures, representing an amount over 253 thousand Euros, to "improve the housing conditions of the Azorean population."

Piedade Lalanda noted that 29 of these measures are intended to support the renewal of degraded housing, while the remaining three will support permanent home ownership. The government official emphasised that the right to adequate housing is a "right" and "duty" of the Government.

"The right to adequate housing is our duty and, above all, a right of citizens," said the Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity; however, she recalled that citizens have the duty of maintaining their homes.

In her speech, the Regional Secretary also stated that this year, 21 support measures were authorised for the renewal of degraded housing as well as 20 support measures for permanent home ownership.

Last year, according to Piedade Lalanda, the Government supported the renewal of 450 houses through the programme to support the renewal of degraded housing. The programme covered family dwellings and the Region's housing heritage, representing an investment over 5.4 million Euros.

The Regional Secretary noted that the renewal of the Region's housing heritage will be continued this year, with a public investment of about 1.2 million Euros.

Piedade Lalanda also stressed the importance of these funds in supporting people, their safety and well-being. They also have a "significant impact on the construction sector," taking into consideration that these support measures are important to the local economy, which is another goal of the Regional Government.