Government of Pará delivers Santo Antônio Housing Complex in Belém and benefits 400 families
Construction built on the site of the old tannery, in the Terra Firme neighborhood, was resumed under Governor Helder Barbalho and now ensures dignified housing for hundreds of people
The Government of Pará delivered, on the morning of this Saturday (27), the Santo Antônio Housing Complex, built on the site of the old tannery in the Terra Firme neighborhood, in Belém. Started in 2008 and halted for more than 12 years, the construction was resumed under Governor Helder Barbalho, who ensured the payment of housing assistance until the delivery of the residences. 25 blocks were built to benefit 400 families with their own, free, safe, and comfortable apartments.
Governor Helder Barbalho attended the delivery accompanied by the vice-governor of Pará, Hana Ghassan; the Minister of Cities, Jader Filho; the mayor of Belém, Igor Normando; the president of the Housing Company of Pará (Cohab), Manoel Pioneiro; the first lady of the State, Daniela Barbalho, and other authorities.
The head of the state executive handed the key of one of the three apartments drawn to receive furniture to the beneficiary Leonardo Nascimento Gonçalves. Leandro symbolically represented the other beneficiaries of the new homes.
"Today, we delivered apartments fully constructed by the state government, with its own resources, which will be donated to registered families, including residents who lived on the tannery land and were resettled, as well as those who lived along the canal. Throughout this period, rental assistance was granted to ensure housing for families. Now, we conclude this phase by handing over the keys so that residents can realize the dream of their own home, living with dignity and quality. The works, started in 2008, were halted for more than 12 years. Our administration worked hard to resolve the issues that prevented progress, and today we can deliver this dreamed dignified housing," emphasized the governor.
Macro-drainage - The apartments - at no cost or need for counterpart from the beneficiaries - are being delivered to people who were living in vulnerable housing on the site of the old tannery and to families from the macro-drainage works of the Tucunduba Canal.
"Our first big dream is to have our own house, and I am very grateful to God for being part of this moment. Many hands have worked to reach this point and deliver these 400 houses. Sometimes, we do not know what is going on in people's hearts. I spoke with a resident who said she was very happy with the delivery but wanted to receive it alongside her husband, who has passed away. I say this is a new cycle for her and for each of the beneficiaries. This is a government that builds works and cares for people," highlighted Vice-Governor Hana Ghassan.
Regional record - According to the Minister of Cities, Jader Filho, "this is a special day for all the residents of this area. I thank God for the blessing for these families, who from now on will have a safe home. I have delivered many houses across Brazil, and in Pará, and I know the emotion of each resident with their own home. Pará is setting a record, for the first time in the North, in units of 'My House, My Life'. These are works in partnership with the Government of Pará that bring dignity to people."
Of the 400 housing units, 50 are designated for People with Disabilities (PcDs). The mayor of Belém, Igor Normando, emphasized the social reach of the state administration's initiative. "Perhaps there is no more emotional delivery than seeing the right recognized for people who fought for 18 years to have their right acknowledged. These families can look at their house, the greatest achievement of any citizen of our city. This is only possible because the Government of Pará has had the capacity to do more for those in need," assured the mayor.
Structure - The Santo Antônio Housing Complex has 25 residential blocks, with 16 apartments each, divided into four floors. With about 40 square meters, the housing units have two bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, a service area, and a bathroom. The location also offers leisure spaces, including a community area, consisting of a playroom, gym, administrative rooms, auditorium, and restrooms.
What was once just a dream is now a reality for Regina Santos, 58 years old, another beneficiary. A single mother, she spoke about the difficulties faced in her old home and did not hide her anxiety to receive the key to her apartment.
“I remember that the house we lived in was very old, and it wasn't even ours. This new moment represents a blessing from God. I am a mother and have a special son. Now, it’s a new life, moving out of rent and having my own house. First of all, I thank God, then Governor Helder Barbalho and also President Lula. Everything is beautiful, just the way God wanted. I am very anxious. I can't wait to enter my house,” added Regina Santos.
The self-employed Sônia Ribeiro, 40 years old, celebrated the opportunity to return to live in Terra Firme and recover her roots in the neighborhood where she was born and lived for several years. Alongside her children, she intends to start a new story in her own house.
“I have a connection with this place. I am very happy and grateful for the possibility of returning to where I have always lived. This is very important for me and for my children. Today, I confess it is a moment of great happiness and satisfaction. Knowing that no one will charge me rent is an indescribable feeling,” stated Sônia.
Investment - The construction of the housing units is part of the Integrated Sanitation of the Tucunduba Basin. Since 2019, the project has provided more infrastructure to the population of several neighborhoods in the capital of Pará. The total investment from the State Treasury in the work exceeds R$ 90 million.
“It was a commitment of Governor Helder Barbalho and Vice-Governor Hana Ghassan to deliver this important public work, which will benefit hundreds of families in the Terra Firme neighborhood, who previously lived in vulnerable situations and along the canal, without ideal conditions, and had been seeking more dignity for years,” emphasized Ruy Cabral, head of the State Secretariat for Public Works (Seop).
