The Intermunicipal Assembly of the Algarve (AMAL) held an extraordinary session this Wednesday at the Algarve's Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR) auditorium in Faro. The focus was on "The Challenges of Housing in the Algarve," with notable contributions from architect Helena Roseta and Nelson Dias from Associação Oficina.
Housing is a critical factor for the region's economic and social development, emphasized José Águas da Cruz, AMAL's president, kicking off the debate. The session highlighted the urgent need for more planning, regulation, and increased housing supply, with a special focus on public housing and the role of local authorities.
Key statistics were presented, including the total number of housing units in the Algarve (393,397), municipal public housing units (4,354, or 1.1% of the total), licensed local accommodations (44,439, about 11% of the housing stock), and vacant residences (46,792).
Helena Roseta pointed out the severe housing accessibility crisis in Portugal, the worst in Europe, with a significant number of empty homes alongside families in need. She advocated for public intervention to regulate the housing market and suggested tools like public housing promotion, fiscal measures, subsidies, and legal regulation.
The debate also touched on the limitations faced by municipalities, including financial constraints and the need for legal reforms to facilitate public housing construction. The session concluded with motions on various regional issues, marking the end of the current AMAL assembly's term.
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