São Tomé and Príncipe Ambassador Calls Situation in Talude Neighborhood 'Dramatic'

The ambassador of São Tomé and Príncipe in Portugal expressed regret this Sunday for not being informed by the Loures City Council about the plan to demolish precarious housing in the Talude neighborhood, describing a 'dramatic' situation that now surpasses the municipality's capacity.

Esterline Gonçalves Género visited the Talude Militar neighborhood this Sunday, where, according to sources from a civic movement, many residents were from São Tomé and Príncipe, as well as Cape Verde, Brazil, and other nationalities.

On site, the diplomatic representative stated he observed a situation that is 'dramatic and urgently requires a decision.' 'If in the past we said it was unworthy, I don't know what to call it now,' the ambassador told SIC Notícias during his visit. He came from abroad to 'provide possible support,' starting with distributing tents and food to the people remaining there, despite 55 of the 64 precarious homes having been demolished.

The ambassador lamented not being informed about the demolition plan for the neighborhood's homes, stating he has tried unsuccessfully to speak with the Loures City Council president. However, he mentioned having lunch with the vice-president on July 10, an occasion he believed should have included being informed.

Seeing the current situation, the diplomat emphasized that 'it is no longer at the municipal level but at the national level.'

Loures began demolishing 64 structures last Monday, where 161 people lived, with 51 demolished on the first day and four more on the second. The operation was subsequently suspended following a Lisbon court's order, in response to a precautionary measure filed by 14 residents.

Of the 55 families who occupied the demolished precarious constructions this week, 14 are receiving support from the Loures City Council, which reported assisting 38 households by Friday. According to the municipality, another 14 families found alternative housing with relatives or friends, three refused support, and seven showed no interest in the presented solutions.

Latest data indicates three families, with five minors in their care, continue to receive overnight support, and ten families, with 21 minors, are receiving food aid. Five families accessed the rental market, benefiting from municipal support for the deposit and first month's rent, the municipality added.