The Resort Group monitors housing concerns as Sal plans for tourism growth

The Resort Group Plc is monitoring concerns about housing on Sal following calls from municipal leaders to ensure that the island’s tourism growth improves living conditions for its residents.

At a session marking the Day of the Municipality of Sal on 15 September, Mayor Júlio Lopes highlighted investment in water, energy, roads and port infrastructure, as well as the air connections that have helped establish Sal as Cape Verde’s leading tourism destination. He also stressed that housing and other public services require coordination between the municipality and central government.

Nuno Lopes, president of the Municipal Assembly, warned that Sal must not develop at “two speeds”. He called for greater attention to social housing, affordable rents and informal settlements, and said the review of the Municipal Master Plan should help balance economic growth with environmental protection and social justice.

The Resort Group Plc has helped create substantial employment through its resorts on Sal, with a workforce made up predominantly of Cape Verdean people. That gives the company a direct interest in the pressures affecting the communities where its employees live.

Lisa Kellett, Head of Operations at The Resort Group Plc, said:

“We are listening closely to the concerns raised by Sal’s municipal leaders and monitoring what the housing situation means for our colleagues and their families. Tourism has brought jobs and opportunity to the island, but its continued growth must go hand in hand with a better quality of life for the people who make it possible.

“As an employer of predominantly Cape Verdean staff, we want to understand the pressures people face and remain engaged with the municipality, government and other local partners as they consider practical responses.”

The Resort Group supports the call for coordinated planning as Sal grows. The company will continue to follow developments in the Municipal Master Plan and listen to its staff and local partners on how housing pressures are affecting the island.