The Santa Maria Maior housing estate in Funchal shows clear signs of deterioration. Residents say nearly two dozen houses are locked up in blocks and complain about a lack of information.
Inaugurated on 10 November 1940, it is the oldest social housing estate in Madeira. It was built to shelter underprivileged families from the Santa Maria Maior parish, many from the pebble area by the sea. Today, doors and windows have been bricked up and remaining residents are uncertain about the future.
Some residents believe the estate can be rehabilitated, while others fear it will be repurposed and house different residents. The Funchal City Council had not replied in time for this edition.
