“Not resolving the housing issue leads to all other problems: issues related to dependencies, social deprivation, or difficulty finding employment,” warned Francisco César during a visit to Quintas do Mar in the parish of Rabo Peixe, São Miguel Island.
Francisco César highlighted that PS/Açores is “trying to find solutions” to address the housing crisis, which he described as the “biggest problem in Azorean society at the moment.”
“We need to solve the housing problem. We know it’s not easy, but there are solutions. What we are witnessing now is a general decline in the state of affairs,” he emphasized.
The deputy in the Assembly of the Republic noted problems linked to both a “lack of housing” and the “dignity of housing,” expressing concern over the insecurity and poor conditions at Quintas do Mar residences.
“The region has public assets that should be in good condition. They must be fully available to those in need and willing to pay a portion of their income for access,” he stated.
Francisco César criticized the “decay” of regional public assets and advocated for “partnerships with the private sector” for increased housing construction, along with a focus on “functional housing cooperatives.”
The president of PS/Açores also condemned the “incompetence” and “ill will” of the Azores Government in public asset management, revealing that the regional housing directorate is paying “supports today that pertain to 2023.”
“There is a propaganda world where everything appears to be fine. The outcome and propaganda of the [Regional] Government is behind me: boarded-up public buildings and public housing that could be provided to several families,” he criticized, referring to Quintas do Mar.
The Quintas do Mar development in Rabo de Peixe, Ribeira Grande municipality, includes public social housing and private properties.
