Abstract

Part of the Local and Urban Governance book series (LUG)

Abstract

Cape Verde has a shortage of housing and a large informal occupation of the territory, a direct expression of a slow response of the housing policy since its independence in 1975. This chapter offers an analysis of the history of housing policies, their models and forms of interventions in the context of the constitution and consolidation of the state in Cape Verde. It identifies the strategy, actors, instruments and means for the implementation of the housing policy in Cape Verde. The ‘Casa para Todos’ program or ‘House for All’ is part of the housing policy that seeks an answer to the housing question in Cape Verde. As an innovative instrument in housing policy, it is important to explore its form of intervention and its social impact, especially in the case of ‘Habitar CV’, as well as to reflect on the relevance of this instrument in the mitigation of vulnerability and social risk. The housing policies implemented are still insufficient to respond to the present housing needs. This study discusses the historical path and current achievements, still ongoing in the country, and reflects on the adequacy of the housing policy in Cape Verde in the post-independence period and the challenges and opportunities it offers for urban governance in the country.

Keywords
Welfare state,
Housing policy,
Social housing,
‘Casa para Todos’ program,
Urban governance,
Cape Verde,

Keywords