Rocinha, the largest slum in the state of Rio de Janeiro, got a walkway designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer this Sunday (27). Some houses at the bottom the community gained colorful paint colors like purple, yellow and red. The buildings are part of the first stage of the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC).
At approximately 60 meters long, the bridge cost R$ 15 million (US$ 8,4 million) and connects the community to a new sports complex, which also opened on Sunday.
Pedestrian bridge was designed by Oscar Niemeyer. (Image: Tássia Thum/G1)
Governor Sergio Cabral attended the ceremony along with former Secretary of Works, Luiz Fernando Pezão and vice-presitential candidate, Michel Temer.
In his speech, Cabral again promised to install a Pacifying Police Unit (UPP) in the community. However, he didn't say when that will happen. The governor also stated that he intends to expand the UPP projects to other slums such as Alemão, Maré, Manguinhos in the North Zone of Rio, as well as communities in Niterói in the greater metropolitan Rio region.
Residents Protest
During the inauguration of the new facilities, a group of residents from one of the steepest stretches of Rocinha, protested against the project, which has included the destruction of houses in high risk areas.
During rains this past April, two people died in mudslides in the higher risk areas of the hill-side community. A public school that serviced 300 students was condemned and students were transferred to other facilities.
Alberto Pires, 53 years old, said City Hall did not show the residents a report proving that the houses were in an inappropriate area.
"We're not leaving here, until they present us with another option that is not the set of buildings they have suggested us downtown. Besides this, we demand the reopening of Chacrinha Abelardo Barbosa school, which was closed in April", said the protester.