Moldovan delegation gets to know municipal social housing and urban refurbishment projects

As part of the Porto Municipality’s international exchange, a delegation from Moldova visited, on Monday, the facilities of Domus Social and Porto Vivo, SRU. An opportunity to know the social housing policy developed by the municipality, as well as the urban refurbishment model and strategy for promoting affordable rentals.

The Moldovan delegation was received at Domus Social by its board of directors, led by the Housing councillor, Pedro Baganha, together with the vice president of the municipal company, Filipa Melo and João Sendim.

The Domus Social team provided a framework for the main features of the company’s activity, including the management system, scope of activity, internal regulation, social projects and other working methods and models.

This was followed by a visit to the facilities, with emphasis on the Gabinete do Inquilino Municipal – GIM [Municipal Tenant Office], the heart of Domus Social, where, on average, around 300 services are carried out per day. A mandatory stop to understand how Porto’s municipal housing company interacts, with its tenants on a daily basis.

The meeting ended with a visit to the boroughs of Lagarteiro and São João de Deus, where they were able not only to explore the architectural and demographic characteristics of these boroughs, but also closely observe the works performed in the buildings and public spaces. Two tangible examples of the work that is carried out daily by Domus Social teams.

Sharing Experiences

Before, the Moldovan delegation had been received at facilities of Porto Vivo, SRU, by the councillor for Urban Planning, and Public Space, and Housing. There they learned about the ways in which urban refurbishment has been carried out, more specifically in the historic centre of the city, and understand how the autarchy has promoted affordable rental solution.

Pedro Baganha shared a historical and architectural perspective, also distinguishing demographic, and socioeconomic aspects. The integrative vision that the Municipality develops on housing was also in the presentation. From the outset, combining elements that involve building refurbishment, promoting affordable rentals and social housing.

The intervention that mirrored the activity of the municipal company was carried out by the vice president of Porto Vivo, SRU, Raquel Maia, highlighting, for example, the strong investment that has been made in Porto com Sentido, an important component of attracting housing for availability at affordable prices.

This visit also allowed to learn about the housing management experience in Moldavia. The exchange of experiences is one of the ways for the development of cities, allowing to learn about different approaches and techniques from other latitudes.