Cabo Verde: Zero Proposes Investment in Affordable Housing near Metro and Train Stations

The association Zero has proposed investing in affordable housing near metro and train stations in Cabo Verde to address the country's housing crisis. According to Zero, 300,000 affordable and efficient homes can be created by renovating existing houses and building new public housing near public transport hubs. This proposal aims to combat the housing crisis without exacerbating urban sprawl and dependence on cars.

Data from the 2021 Census shows that there are 723,215 vacant homes in Cabo Verde, which contrasts with the 300,000 fewer homes built compared to the growth in the number of families, according to the Banco de Portugal. Zero believes that mobilizing vacant homes and building affordable public housing near high-capacity public transport hubs can help combat poverty and limited mobility.

Zero has proposed a short-term investment in the Sectoral Housing and Mobility Program, which would involve mobilizing 150,000 habitable homes and rehabilitating 50,000 homes to utilize existing heritage. Additionally, 100,000 new public or cooperative homes would be built to increase the affordable housing supply. The association suggests that the program should identify public land within a 2-kilometer radius of metro and train stations in metropolitan areas.

The association requires that the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the program commence in 2027 and that the Reserve Ecológica Nacional and Reserva Agrícola Nacional be excluded from occupation. Zero also emphasizes the need to assess water availability and risks such as flooding, coastal erosion, fires, and extreme heat. The construction and rehabilitation of homes should preserve permeable soil and integrate nature-based solutions to mitigate heat and floods.

Zero recommends the 3-30-300 rule, which suggests that there should be at least three visible trees per house, 30% canopy cover per neighborhood, and a quality green space within 300 meters. The association also supports the taxation of vacant homes and proposes a penalty of 3% of the taxable value for false declarations. Furthermore, Zero suggests suspending the increase in the Municipal Property Tax for owners who make their properties available for rehabilitation and affordable rent.

Zero proposes that at least 20% of new homes be reserved for public officials, based on income, housing need, and proximity to work. The association believes that public land and buildings should remain public, and cooperative homes should maintain collective ownership, with rents linked to costs and limits on alienation and capital gains. The Government and municipalities should publish annual reports on costs, the number of homes made available, and how many remain affordable.

Zero has expressed support for the European Citizenship Initiative "Right to Housing! Now and Forever," launched by HouseEurope!. The initiative calls for a European register of vacant buildings, faster licensing to convert them into housing, priority for non-profit operators, and penalties for vacant homes. The initiative's signature collection began on September 14 and will end on September 13, 2027.

Key points

• Association Zero proposes creating 300,000 affordable homes near public transport hubs.
• The proposal aims to combat the housing crisis without exacerbating urban sprawl and dependence on cars.
• Zero supports the taxation of vacant homes and proposes a penalty for false declarations.