The Minister for Territorial Cohesion warned in Parliament on Tuesday about the poor implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), assuring that the government was committed to strengthening oversight and meeting deadlines.
Manuel Castro Almeida addressed deputies at the procedural hearings of the Committee on Local Authority and Territorial Cohesion of the Assembly of the Republic in Lisbon.
During his initial speech, the minister said that when the present government came to power, the PRR implementation rate was 20%, “including advances.”
“The financial execution took into account advances that were not actually execution. Execution will be below 20%.” Therefore, 20% is very generous of us,” he said.
Manuel Castro Almeida admitted that the use of PRR funds “is associated with risks” and that the government is working “to the limit.”
“Whatever depends on us, we have full energy,” he assured, pointing out some restrictions that could jeopardize the implementation of the RDP, especially in the housing sector.
Labor shortages, rising costs of materials and bureaucratic problems, particularly litigation, were among the obstacles listed by the government official.
In response to questions from MPs, the Minister of Territorial Unity ruled out that future works such as the new Tagus River crossing and the high-speed line would be carried out using PRR funds.
The government official also admitted that he had to use government funds to achieve certain RDP goals, especially in the housing sector.
One of these goals is the construction of 26 thousand houses, pledged by the previous government and financial resources for which, according to the current leader, are “insufficient.”
Manuel Castro Almeida also indicated that a model is being developed that will identify applications that are “at risk and worth monitoring,” which is not “random.”
The Minister estimated that by the end of October this year it would be possible to “be on the ball with PRR”, noting that with the support of universities, the number of people checking applications could increase by 40%. and polytechnic.”
Another issue raised in this commission was a change in land legislation, which will “increase the amount of land available for housing construction.”
“Land shortages are driving up house prices. Local instruments will need to be created to allow local authorities to set new measures. This will have to be done using rules. This should not open the door to speculation and wild ducks. “The goal is to reduce prices. Local authorities will be able to find new areas suitable for construction,” he explained.
Manuel Castro Almeida also said that issues related to the decentralization process and changes to local finances are being discussed with the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (ANMP).
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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