On Thursday, the Regional Secretary for Science, Technology and Infrastructures announced the forthcoming execution of improvements in the road network of the island of Flores and the restoration of the road to Caldeiras, in Ribeira Grande.

José Contente announced these two governmental initiatives at the inauguration of a road extension in the Port of Ribeirinha, Ribeira Grande, São Miguel Island.

He also said that improvements in the road extension that provides access to the port’s balneal area and those undertaken at the belvedere of Ponta do Cintrão will promote the development of an area with great potential for tourism.

He stated that improving the road extension that connects the parish to the port, besides contributing for a better transport system, has also brought to mind the need to improve the port, which is much appreciated by the population as a place for sporting and leisure activities in the northern coast of São Miguel island.

José Contente said that with the re-qualification of this area, the port should address the new developmental challenges of the Azores in so far as “sports, allied with tourism and environmental awareness, are the new development paradigm for the region.”
This investment of 623 thousand euros includes the establishment of a water drainage system, enlargement of the access road, construction of protective walls and the re-pavement of the road.

The Regional Secretary also announced the government’s intention to continue improving the roads in the region and he assured that the new legislature will focus its “attention on the island of Flores because it is the most disadvantaged in this regard.”

Insuring that we have a better and more accessible road network is one of the most important priorities of the Government, but we need to pay attention to the “small places, such as this road extension, sight-seeing belvederes and other places where people may stop” to enjoy the leisure and quality of life offered by the Azorean islands, which are salutary attributes of regional development.

Dr. José Contente recognised that much remains to be done in this domain in the archipelago although, he said,  “never was so much done in so little time.”