The Regional Social Solidarity Secretary presided over the ceremony of laying the first stone of the Night Centre and the rehabilitation of Luís Soares de Sousa Home. The intervention will be supported by the Government of the Azores in the amount of 2.3 million Euros.
 
Andreia Cardoso stressed that this work "is not an isolated case in the Azores," emphasising that is part of a "political option that is focused on those who will use these facilities and, thus, have better conditions that will be created here, i.e., a political option focused on the elderly."
 
"This ceremony reminds us of an essential aspect, which is territorial cohesion", Andreia Cardoso stressed, adding that "it demonstrates the Government's commitment and the creation of conditions throughout the archipelago so that the Azorean population may feel that there are, in fact, fulfilled Azoreans."
 
In her speech, the Regional Secretary stating that this is a matter of equal access to these services. In this regard, she pointed out several projects to be started or already in progress on the islands of Terceira, Santa Maria, Corvo, São Miguel, Faial and Flores, including the creation of several day and night centres as well as the redevelopment of existing services such as nursing homes and home support.
 
"What we may conclude is that we should continue developing an activity that aims to meet this goal towards cohesion by creating the conditions, promoting and establishing, such as the case of Luís Soares de Sousa Home, the partnerships deemed necessary to remain on the right track and accomplish our common goals," stressed the government official.
 
The work whose foundation stone was laid today is expected to be completed in the first half of 2018. It will provide another six places, which will add up to the 40 available places at the home.