Six precarious constructions, previously reconstructed over the weekend of August 16 and 17, face demolition starting Thursday, following the expiration of the 48-hour deadline set by the Câmara Municipal de Loures, in the Lisbon district, for vacating the area.
In statements to Lusa, Kedy Santos, from the Movimento Vida Justa, mentioned that the residents targeted by this demolition action have already filed an injunction to prevent the works. « The residents, with the help of lawyers, have been working towards protecting and defending themselves, as they did in previous instances of demolition risk, » he indicated.
Contacted by Lusa, a source from the Câmara de Loures said that the municipality has not yet been notified of any decision from the Tribunal Administrativo de Lisboa.
In a note released on Tuesday, the Câmara de Loures indicated that the six precarious constructions identified had been erected by occupants who had previously built in the same location, noting that one of these situations involves a family that had already received financial assistance from the municipality for a deposit and first house rent.
However, confronted with this situation, Kedy Santos denied its veracity, assuring that the six families have stayed in the neighborhood since the last demolitions. « It’s a lie that has been put forward. The families rebuilding the shacks are those who have been sleeping in tents since the last demolition on the 30th [July]. None have received any amounts from the Câmara, » the activist clarified.
Kedy Santos emphasized that most of the families « are single-parent » or have a member who is « not actively employed. » « They struggle to find housing within the prices available in today’s market. It’s impossible for them to accept rent and deposit amounts below the 400 euros offered by the Câmara because they cannot find a house to rent at that value, » he argued.
The activist further specified that only two out of the 55 families displaced since the beginning of this demolition process have been supported by the Câmara de Loures and accepted relocation outside the municipality.
On July 14, the municipality of Loures initiated a demolition operation of 64 precarious houses built by the inhabitants in the Talude Militar, where 161 people lived, demolishing 51 on the first day and another four on the second day.
The operation was subsequently suspended following an order from a Lisbon court, in response to an injunction filed by 14 residents.