The Loures City Council reported today that of the 55 families affected by the demolition of precarious constructions, 25 have not sought assistance from social services.
The statement noted that the 30 families willing to receive social support comprise 54 adults and 36 children, detailing the social assistance and potential solutions offered to these families.
Among these 30 families, eight are receiving support from the Loures City Council, 14 have found alternative housing with relatives or friends, one declined the support offered, and seven showed no interest in available options.
The council highlighted that by March 2025, “approximately 40 precarious constructions were identified in a specific area of the Bairro do Talude Militar (Quinta da Boiça), in Catujal.” By July, this number had increased by 152 additional structures, indicating rapid, uncontrolled growth in illegal constructions.
The council also noted that the Municipal Police and council inspectors conduct daily monitoring operations. When new constructions are identified, occupants are immediately informed of the illegality and urged to contact the council’s social services to learn about available support.
The statement reports that of the 30 families seeking social support, three accepted overnight accommodation in a hotel and food assistance, while one family initially accepted all options but then declined and returned to the Bairro do Talude. Fourteen families with children, including ten under four years old, declined assistance, citing housing alternatives with family or friends.
One family achieved independence through the rental market, receiving municipal support for the deposit and first month’s rent.
Additionally, four other families are in the process of becoming independent with similar support, under the guidance of municipal services.
Seven families did not express interest in the support solutions offered by social services.
Beyond housing and food solutions, 13 individuals are identified as unemployed and are receiving assistance from the Employment Support Office and the Migrant Support Office of Loures City Council to facilitate their employment integration and documentation regularization.
On Thursday and Friday, technicians from the Employment and Migrant Support Offices provided direct assistance on-site at a local association’s premises. Until Saturday, social action technicians from the Loures City Council will remain in the Bairro do Talude Militar to encourage residents to seek social services and learn about available support.
The council assures that all families affected by the demolished precarious constructions in Talude Militar were contacted, accompanied, and provided with tailored solutions.
The Loures City Council has requested an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister to develop joint solutions for the challenges municipalities face regarding housing and illegal land occupation. This request follows a decision made by municipalities within the Lisbon Metropolitan Area on March 17.
