State prepares delivery of the Santo Antônio Housing Project for 400 families in Belém
Construction resumed by the Government of Pará has been completed and, this Saturday (27), families will receive the keys to their long-dreamed own home in the Terra Firme neighborhood
By Gustavo Pêna (SEOP)
26/09/2025 10h21
The Santo Antônio Housing Complex is ready for delivery this Saturday (27) in Terra Firme
The residents of the area of the old tannery, in the Terra Firme neighborhood of Belém, will start receiving the keys to a home in the Santo Antônio Housing Project from this Saturday (27). Initiated in 2008, 17 years ago, the construction was resumed under the management of Governor Helder Barbalho, who ensured the payment of housing assistance until the delivery of the residences. What was once a place with vulnerable housing will now be a space with quality of life and dignity for 400 families.
Apartments are comfortable in the 25 blocks of the Santo Antônio Housing Project
Milza Diniz, one of the social workers from the State Department of Public Works (Seop), responsible for supporting the families who lived in the area, outlines a timeline of the relocation to the construction of the housing units that are part of the Integrated Sanitation of the Tucunduba Basin. Since 2019, the project has ensured more infrastructure for the population of the neighborhoods in the capital of Pará.
Seop ensured ongoing dialogue with residents to clarify doubts and facilitate a smooth relocation process
“The old tannery was occupied by families in vulnerable situations, living in wooden or masonry houses without sanitation and potable water, with clandestine electricity. For the construction to be possible, some people received compensation and others began to live with housing assistance, awaiting the new housing units. It is a process that involves negotiations and social support with the residents,” explains Milza Diniz from Seop.
She lists the challenges leading up to the long-awaited delivery of the construction of the 25 blocks of housing units, highlighting the State Government's efforts to minimize the impacts of the wait for the homes.
“Seop went beyond structural services. We worked to overcome the residents' distrust, ensure compensations and assistance, and make the transition to the new housing project bring dignity and not just a change of address. It was not just about delivering the apartments, but promoting a cultural and community change,” emphasizes social worker Milza Diniz from Seop.
Social worker from Seop, Milza Diniz informs that there will be training with residents on heritage and sanitary-environmental preservation
The family of housewife Raimunda Aguiar, 50, is one of those who will receive the apartments with a living room, dining room, kitchen, service area, bathroom, and two bedrooms. After facing years in difficult conditions, she is preparing to receive the keys to her new home.
“Before, when I lived in the tannery, there was no regular electricity or running water. Everything was clandestine. My house was on the ground, without flooring, without a bathroom, without a proper place to bathe and relieve myself. It was very difficult. I lost a lot because of so many moves back and forth during these years of struggle and fear of losing the right to our home,” recalls Raimunda Aguiar.
Construction process of the Santo Antônio Housing Project in the former tannery area in the Terra Firme neighborhood of Belém
Raimunda Aguiar does not hide her joy and anxiety to receive her own apartment, free of charge, without the need to pay installments. “The expectation is high that this apartment will be as I dreamed, a good place to live, because it is close to the market, school, and transportation. I was one of the lucky ones to step into my new home and be able to say: 'this is mine!'. No one will come and say that I have to leave because I am behind on rent. I want it to be not just a change of house, but also a change of life.”
Public servant Milza Diniz highlights that, after the delivery of the Santo Antônio Housing Project, various training sessions will be held with residents for heritage and sanitary-environmental preservation. The location also features a community area composed of a playground, gym, service area, meeting room, auditorium, storage, bathrooms, pantry, and administrative office.
A social worker for nearly three decades, Milza Diniz emphasizes the feeling of seeing the blocks erected, revealing a space with safe and comfortable housing, which will result in stability and social well-being.
“Seop will carry out educational work, ensuring that the housing project is not just a physical space, but truly a home for everyone. And my feeling in having participated in this process is one of gratitude, a privilege to be part of this story. We closely know the reality of those families, we saw children grow during this period, and now we have the joy of seeing them receive their home with dignity. It is an honor to be part of all this,” concludes the public servant.
Text: Gustavo Pêna, with collaboration from Arhur Andrade, intern.
