Risky Hillside Favela Construction (Rio)

[Blue_Tires]

RIO DE JANEIRO – The tragic floods that occurred in Rio de Janeiro during the week of April 4th did more then remind residents of their vulnerability to nature, it also pointed out weaknesses in Rio’s urban infrastructure, in particular those of the favela communities.


A view of the tragedy from the mudslide in Morro do Bumba, photo by Vladimir Platonow/ABr.
The loss of life that followed the heavy rains is presently estimated to be over 250 people, many of whom were living in Rio’s favelas from the Zona Norte, Zona Sul to Niteroi. These communities were adversely affected primarily because of their high-risk location atop hills that funnel heavy rains into the valleys below.

Houses built in the hills are not only at risk from heavy rains but also from yearly erosion which can reach up to one ton per hectare annually as reported by the Institute of Geosciences (Instituto de Geociencas). This yearly erosion is said to be compounded after a landslide, thus making re-development of affected areas more dangerous.

As a Luta Pelo Paz (Fight for Peace) volunteer explained, “Houses are often built from concrete, brick, and cement. In most cases houses in favelas are built by community members on available land that has not been officially sanctioned by the government. This means that there are no building or land use codes to be followed or enforced.” The result is buildings that have no official safety regulations and can be built in high risk locations.

In the north zone it costs an average of R$25,000 to construct a two floor home. Additional floors can be added to up to a certain limit that is deemed acceptable for the structure. Oftentimes residents will sell the space of their roof for others to build upon, effectively ensuring the likelihood that buildings will be modified after their original construction.

Construction workers are likely to be contracted and have experience in their trade, however they lack the training of architects and professional developers operating in the formal sector. The level of labor creates problems both in original construction and the enduring legacy of the building. There is also little legal recourse for residents to compensate for errors committed by contractors since the building and workers operate outside of the formal sector.

http://riotimesonline.com/news/rio-real-estate/hillside-favela-construction-risks/

[Judi Lynn]

1. Thanks for this article. It says the mayor designates 138 separate communities

in this area as "high risk."

Ghastly experience, even if people survive it. There has to be a solution coming someday. This would be hell living with the awareness you could be swept down the mountainside EVERY DAY, and perhaps lose your loved ones even if you survive.