A tragic fire in the center of Vigo
On Monday, October 11, a devastating fire shook the center of Vigo, leaving the city in a state of shock. The fire claimed the lives of Sara and three of her youngest children, Ezequiel, Aldara and Rosana. This family, who had been evicted from an illegal settlement, was seeking refuge in the damaged building after being unable to access adequate housing. The tragic event was a foreseeable consequence, since firefighters had previously warned about the dangers of irregular electrical connections in the building.
Ten families at risk of being left without accommodation
Seven months after the tragedy, ten families who lived in the same building are once again in a precarious situation. The Vigo city council, through an emergency device, had provided accommodation in a pension to these families until May 1. However, the city council has decided to stop paying for accommodation, putting these families at risk of being left without a place to live.
The local government justifies its decision
The local government has justified its decision to stop paying for the accommodation of these families by pointing out that the Xunta de Galicia, the administration responsible for housing, does not have housing in Vigo or in the metropolitan area to serve these families. The city council had signed a contract with an entity specialized in acquiring housing on the free market for vulnerable people, which made it possible to find a solution for four other families. However, the four remaining families rejected the proposed solution or showed minimal adherence to the follow-up to reverse their situation. In addition, all of these families have economic income, which led the local government to end the emergency device.
The fight for a solution
The Os Ninguéns collective, which fights against poverty in Vigo, has been accompanying the former residents of the building during their stay in the pension. While waiting for a meeting with the Xunta delegate in the city, Marta Ortiz, they hope to find an emergency solution for these families. The group argues that the income of these families remains below the poverty line and that, if they have to pay rent or a pension, they will not have enough money left to cover their basic needs.
Waiting for an agreement between administrations
At the meeting that will take place this Friday, it is expected that both the Xunta and the city council will reach an agreement to provide a long-term solution to these families. Meanwhile, the Os Ninguéns collective proposes that pensions be paid for a certain period and that both administrations commit to working together to find a definitive solution.