The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity stated in Angra do Heroísmo that the programme for the acquisition of vehicles by Private Social Solidarity Institutions falls within the Regional Government's strategy to "increasingly strengthen the quality of services provided to Azoreans."
 
"The 'Solidarity in Motion' programme is a result of the permanent attention paid by the Government to the daily needs and challenges of institutions. It is primarily intended to support the acquisition of new vehicles for institutions, seeing that they are one of the most essential tools for their daily work," stressed Andreia Cardoso.
 
The government spoke on the sidelines of a press conference for the presentation of the programme, which was created to support social institutions in the renewal of their fleets.
 
"In fact, this will be a three-year programme representing an investment of nearly one million Euros to respond to one of the most pressing needs of institutions," stated Andreia Cardoso.
 
The application period will open starting next week for social institutions that have signed cooperation agreements with the Institute for Social Security of the Azores (ISSA). The applications submitted should be aimed at the acquisition of electric vehicles or with reduced polluting emissions.
 
"With this measure, we not only contribute to the environmental preservation of the Region, but also ensure that beneficiary institutions reduce their operating costs through a lower costs with traditional fuels," stated Andreia Cardoso.
 
The creation of this support programme took into account the general ageing of institutions' vehicle fleets, which entails high maintenance and repair costs.
 
It also follows the emergence of new social responses and the improvement of existing ones, which have led to increased transport needs.
 
Andreia Cardoso restated "the need to strengthen the Regional Government's support to the institutions that make up the social solidarity network and strongly contribute to a more cohesive and inclusive Region."