The Associação de Horticultores do Sudoeste Alentejano (AHSA) has proposed a project to create four collective accommodation units in Odemira, with a total of 2,000 beds for seasonal workers. The estimated investment for this project is €16 million. According to AHSA, the project, called ACTTO, aims to provide dignified, regulated, and financially sustainable accommodation. This initiative is a response to the challenge of providing decent housing in the municipality.
The AHSA presented the proposal at its II Colóquio, where it outlined the project's objectives and timeline. The association is seeking support from the state and private investors, with a possible public financing of 50%. If approved, the public contribution could reach €8 million. The first unit, with a capacity for 500 people, is expected to be completed by 2029. The plan is to have all four units and 2,000 beds operational by 2036.
The project is still in its preparatory phase, and the approval of financing has not been confirmed. There is also no set date for the start of construction, which depends on the necessary conditions for its execution. AHSA plans to submit a feasibility study to the government within two weeks to support the proposal and enable the necessary legal framework to move forward.
The initiative comes amid strong housing pressure in Odemira, where the population has doubled in the last decade from around 20,000 to over 40,000 inhabitants. The area's agricultural activity heavily relies on seasonal workers. The ACTTO project is part of a set of initiatives presented at the colloquium, which focused on the themes of "Water, People, and Environment".
The AHSA's proposal includes a range of projects across various areas, including integration, employment, mobility, and education. According to Susana Correia, the association is committed to addressing the challenges faced by the region. The project aims to provide a structural response to the decent accommodation challenge in the municipality.
The project's timeline and financing are yet to be confirmed, but AHSA is optimistic about its prospects. The association believes that the project will not only provide much-needed accommodation but also contribute to the region's economic and social development. Further updates on the project's progress are expected in the coming months.
The housing pressure in Odemira is a significant challenge, and the AHSA's proposal is one of several initiatives aimed at addressing this issue. The project's success will depend on various factors, including the approval of financing and the support of stakeholders. If successful, the project could have a positive impact on the lives of seasonal workers and the local community.
Key points
- AHSA plans to invest €16 million in 2,000 beds for seasonal workers in Odemira.
- The project aims to provide dignified and regulated accommodation for seasonal workers.
- The proposal includes a possible public financing of 50%, with a potential contribution of €8 million.
