Unmasking Unlawful Residential Property
Portugal's Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz, has announced an urgent nationwide survey to identify illegal or precarious housing across the country. This move comes in response to recent events, such as the demolition of 64 illegal structures in Loures and the planned dismantling of dwellings in Amadora.
The survey, which will include the identification of informal settlements and shanty towns, will be a joint effort between local councils, the Institute for Housing and Urban Rehabilitation (IHRU), and the central government. The Minister stressed the immediacy of the issue, stating that it is not a historical problem but is happening now.
Coordination efforts between municipalities, the IHRU, and national authorities are essential for the survey. The Minister mentioned that they are already undertaking this survey to address the growing concern of illegal housing.
In Loures, 161 people were displaced when 64 illegal structures were dismantled in the Bairro do Talude Militar. A legal challenge by residents partially halted the operation, but the Minister's call for a nationwide survey indicates a commitment to addressing this issue comprehensively.
In Amadora, demolition is planned for all 22 remaining illegal dwellings in the former Santa Filomena area, home to around 30 adults and 14 children. The survey will help ensure these communities are not overlooked.
The investment will support over 133,000 homes identified in local housing strategies, in addition to the initial plan for 26,000 homes. This significant public housing investment, the largest since the 1974 Carnation Revolution, underscores the government's commitment to addressing Portugal's housing needs.
However, it's important to note that there are no recent search results indicating an urgent nationwide survey specifically on illegal or precarious housing in Portugal. For authoritative details, you may consider directly consulting Portugal’s national statistics institute (INE), relevant housing ministries, or organizations specializing in housing rights and urban planning in Portugal.
The Minister ruled out rent controls and strict market interventions, preferring regulation to ensure fairness in the housing market. He also warned that resolving the housing issue will take time, requiring more public and private housing supply and market reforms.
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- The Minister's nationwide survey on illegal or precarious housing will also encompass identifying issues in sports facilities, as they too are significant within Portugal's urban landscape, following the recent events revealing inadequate structures.
- Portugal's growing sports landscape, including football clubs like Sporting CP and Porto FC, eagerly await the results of the survey as they strategize for upcoming events, hoping for improvements to ensure spectator safety and comply with international standards.
