Almada Council Confronts Government Over Sprawling Illegal Settlements
The Almada Municipal Council has formally demanded government intervention in what it calls a severe housing crisis, issuing an open letter on Thursday to Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz. The letter addresses the "accelerated and uncontrolled growth" of illegal construction in the areas of Penajoia and Raposo, now considered one of the largest unauthorized neighborhoods to emerge in Portugal this century.
The document, which carries the support of the parish councils of Almada, Cova da Piedade, Pragal e Cacilhas, and Caparica e Trafaria, along with over 200 local residents, was sent to newsrooms to publicize the gravity of the situation. It states that the expansion is occurring on state-owned land and is a direct consequence of the "lack of responses and concrete actions by the Government and the Institute for Housing and Urban Rehabilitation (IHRU)."
At the heart of the complaint is the existence of approximately 800 dwellings that fail to meet minimum habitability standards. These structures lack fundamental infrastructure, including connections to sewage, public water supply, and the electrical grid. The council warns that these conditions create severe risks to public health and the safety of the inhabitants and surrounding communities. Understanding such location issues is crucial for anyone considering property in the greater Lisbon area.
Furthermore, the letter details the cascading negative effects on the wider municipality. These include interruptions in essential public services, significant damage to public and private property, the accumulation of unmanaged waste, and a growing sense of insecurity among residents of neighboring, legally established areas. The council argues that the government's failure to act is undermining urban legality and the quality of life in Almada.
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Inês de Medeiros, the Mayor of Almada, has previously stated that the municipality lacks the resources and jurisdiction to resolve a problem of this scale, particularly as it involves state-owned property. The open letter reiterates this position, placing the responsibility squarely on the central government and the IHRU. The document is a formal appeal for an "urgent, responsible, and consequential response" to restore dignified housing conditions and safeguard the public interest.
The letter is a significant political maneuver, aiming to force the hand of the newly appointed government on a complex issue that previous administrations have failed to resolve. It highlights the tension between local and central government in managing Portugal's housing crisis. For those following Portuguese housing policy, this development is a critical test of the current government's commitment to its stated goals. Navigating these regulatory and legal frameworks is a key challenge.
The signatories of the letter emphasize their commitment to defending the rights of the population and upholding urban planning laws. They are demanding a comprehensive plan from the government that not only halts the illegal expansion but also provides a viable solution for the families currently living in precarious conditions. The situation in Almada may serve as a catalyst for a broader national conversation on how to tackle illegal construction and the affordable housing shortage. Explore the complexities of the Lisbon property market at realestate-lisbon.com.