Lisbon Municipality Approves €26 Million Rehabilitation Project for Bairro da Encarnação in Olivais
A major neighborhood development project has been announced for the parish of Olivais in Lisbon. City councilor Diogo Moura revealed that a “total rehabilitation” plan for the Bairro da Encarnação has been formally approved by the municipality. The announcement was made during the official presentation of Pedro Costa Malheiro's candidacy for the presidency of the Olivais parish council, representing the coalition led by Mayor Carlos Moedas.
The specific details of the development project include a significant investment of €26 million. This capital will be allocated to a comprehensive overhaul of the neighborhood's public infrastructure. Key components of the project are the construction of entirely new sidewalks and the installation of a modern, efficient street lighting system, alongside other urban rehabilitation measures designed to improve the quality of life for residents and enhance the public realm. This initiative directly addresses long-standing requests from the local population for a fundamental intervention in the area.
The timeline for the project's implementation was not specified in detail, but the announcement that it has been “already approved” suggests that planning is complete and procurement or construction phases may begin in the near future. This project is part of a wider, ongoing investment strategy in the parish. Over the past four years, the municipal executive has already directed €26 million towards Olivais, funding improvements in public spaces, the renovation of the Olivais Library, a €5 million investment in public housing, and a €19 million upgrade to the local school network.
The primary impact of this new €26 million project will be on the local residents and property owners of Bairro da Encarnação. The councilor noted that the decision was heavily influenced by a visit from Mayor Carlos Moedas, who observed the difficulties faced by elderly residents navigating the degraded sidewalks. The rehabilitation is therefore expected to significantly improve mobility, safety, and the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood. Such a substantial public investment is also likely to have a positive effect on local property values.
The project will include significant infrastructure improvements beyond the visual and functional upgrades. While the focus of the announcement was on sidewalks and lighting, a “total rehabilitation” typically involves subsurface work on utilities and drainage systems, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the renewal efforts. These foundational improvements are critical for the neighborhood's future resilience and development.
The funding for this €26 million project is provided by the Lisbon municipality, as part of its capital investment budget. This allocation demonstrates a clear political and financial commitment to the revitalization of Olivais, a large parish that has experienced a significant population decline of 36% in recent decades. The investment aims to reverse this trend by making the area more attractive and livable.
The community consultation process has been a long-term one, with residents of Bairro da Encarnação advocating for this intervention for many years. The approval of the project is a direct response to this sustained community feedback. The political campaign of Pedro Costa Malheiro is leveraging this success, positioning his team as being responsive to the essential needs of the community, such as urban hygiene and the quality of green spaces.
While a formal environmental impact assessment for this specific project was not detailed, the urban renewal measures are inherently linked to environmental quality. The creation of better pedestrian infrastructure and the upgrading of public spaces and green corridors are aligned with broader municipal goals for a more sustainable and healthier city. The candidate, Mr. Malheiro, explicitly mentioned creating “green corridors that connect our parks and allow walking or cycling in a healthier and more sustainable neighborhood.”
The long-term vision for the neighborhood, as articulated by the political figures, is to “restore pride” in Olivais and transform it into a thriving, well-maintained community for all its residents. The project in Bairro da Encarnação is a cornerstone of this vision, intended to act as a catalyst for further positive development and to demonstrate that the municipality is committed to investing in areas outside the city's central core. The goal is to create a parish where “everyone counts, leaving no one behind.”
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