The Azores government will take charge of the Marina da Barra project on Graciosa, west of mainland Portugal, after its public tender received no bids. Azores regional president José Manuel Bolieiro said the government would adopt a new approach during a visit to the island on 21-22 September.
In a meeting with the municipal council of Santa Cruz da Graciosa, chaired by António Reis, the regional government discussed some of the island’s needs, from infrastructure and water supply to housing and transport. The talks also turned to the Marina da Barra project after a tender managed by the municipality, which had been responsible for the procurement process under the previous agreement, closed without any proposals.
Bolieiro said that rather than postponing the project indefinitely, the regional government would now take the lead, starting with a feasibility study before preparing an international public procurement process for a concession to build and manage the marina. Further details are expected before the end of the year, while previous work on the project would also be considered.
The regional government added that the new approach would allow the municipality to direct its finances and resources towards other priorities, including the remaining work on the island’s water supply network.
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