Housing and climate risk in Praia

Summary

Urban expansion, particularly on the outskirts of the city, has been very rapid and has taken place in unsuitable locations considered risk-prone, at the bottom of valleys and on steep slopes.

In the city of Praia, how do urban expansion, climate variability and settlement in risk-prone areas interact? Which changes seem most consequential in the medium and long term?

Urban expansion, particularly on the outskirts of the city, has been very rapid and has taken place in unsuitable locations considered risk-prone, at the bottom of valleys and on steep slopes. Most of this settlement is unplanned, informal or illegal.

This type of settlement brings many risks, particularly for the residents of these areas, who are mostly low-income and therefore highly vulnerable. These areas are highly susceptible to flash floods, flooding and mass movements, and have high social vulnerability because of the socioeconomic characteristics of the exposed population.

With climate change, we may see more frequent and/or severe extreme events, which could increase disaster risk.

The most consequential changes should involve, on the one hand, mitigating hazards through urban regeneration programmes that include major works to control torrential flows in valley bottoms and interventions to stabilise slopes, thereby reducing hazard levels. On the other hand, vulnerability should be reduced through a housing policy that addresses deficits in both the quantity and quality of housing. This means building social housing in safe areas at prices that low-income people can afford.

How do these changes redistribute access to safe housing, water, sanitation, mobility and urban services? Which groups are most exposed, and what territorial conflicts result?

A national housing policy could give many families access to decent housing in terms of safety, quality and quantity. A major national investment would be needed to ensure that young people and low-income residents have access to housing at a fair cost, providing greater social justice. Housing would have to be built in planned and serviced areas, and should therefore already include access to basic services such as water, sanitation, electricity and public transport.

Any conflicts that arise may concern the demolition of illegal housing and normally involve vulnerable populations in these areas.

Which responses in housing, urban planning and climate adaptation seem most relevant today, and what determines their success or explains their limits?

In terms of planning, the country is well prepared in its legislation and spatial management instruments. There are several levels of plans nationally, and most municipalities have plans, particularly the PDM (Municipal Master Plan). These plans need to be effectively implemented for their impact to be felt as a strategy for mitigating risks.

In housing, the most relevant priority is to reduce the national shortage of decent housing, especially in large cities. This could be achieved through a social housing policy.

For climate adaptation, efforts are needed to understand fully the risks we face and to act preventively.

Bibliographic information

Type

Article

Date

14 October 2026

Author

Sílvia Lopes Monteiro

Study Centre

ONS

Original language

English

Original document

PDF, 1 pages

Full text

Transcription of the original document

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