Victims of fires in Monchique who have seen their homes destroyed by flames may have to contribute 25% of their monthly disposable income over 15 years to rebuilding them.
Pedro Siza Vieira, deputy minister, in statements to RTP, explained that "the Gateway program admits that the adequate solution is that people do not spend more than 25% disposable income on housing."
However, guarantees the minister, in cases where it is not possible to find a dignified and adequate solution to the needs of the household, then the program complements those needs.
Last year, after the fire in Pedrógão, the State contributed 100% to the reconstruction of the houses.
Rui André, Mayor of Monchique, considers “it is important to understand if this Gateway program is suitable for these needs or not. People are going to have to come in with some of the money. About 25% of their income will have to be paid for 15 years to recover these houses».
However, stressed the mayor after a meeting, in Monchique, with the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, "many of the people affected have reforms that only survive".
For the mayor, "these processes have to be swift, so that people can quickly return to their homes, that's the goal."
For the lease, there is an expected support of 5 euros per square meter or, in hotels, 53 euros and 70 cents per day. However, “this presupposes a protocol between the Chamber and the State, so that support can be made available to the people afterwards”, but this has not yet been signed.
Due to the need for immediate leases, “some people are already moving ahead with leases because they cannot wait. If this support arrives late, we will advance with support from the Chamber and, later, we will see how to do it”.
Rui André admits that he still hasn't understood «how well this process will unfold, but people will not fail to be supported. If no one else pays, the Council will guarantee these expenses, so that people have living conditions while their houses are not built».
According to the latest assessment made by Rui André, «30 first-rate houses burned down and a total of 74 were affected», but «not counting the small buildings, such as annexes and the like, which were also damaged and which, departure, they will not have any kind of support».
At this point, there are no longer any people displaced by fires. According to the mayor, “we accommodated all the people who needed it. Many of them, fortunately, were welcomed by family and friends and we are also looking for leases for other people, as the Porta de Entrance program also provides for leases».
“There are people who prefer to remain in their places, even if their homes are partially damaged. The municipal services of Social Action are closely following these situations, we are trying to respond”, he concludes.
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