New waterfront consolidates tourism and community engagement in São Caetano de Odivelas
Structure delivered by the Government of Pará a year ago provides leisure, safety, and more income generation opportunities
Delivered a year ago by the Government of Pará, the first phase of the restructuring of the waterfront in São Caetano de Odivelas, a municipality in the northeastern region of the state, has become a gathering point for residents and has consolidated the tourism and economy of the city.
Student Yasmin Sophia, 20 years old, emphasizes the importance of the transformation that the new structure has brought to the municipal seat. “After the inauguration of the waterfront, the leisure situation improved a lot because now we have a beautiful and organized place to stroll, meet friends and family. It has truly become a gathering point where we can relax, talk, and enjoy the scenery of the Mojuim River,” says the space's frequent visitor.
“The waterfront has brought opportunities for both street vendors and entrepreneurs of kiosks and other nearby establishments. With the constant flow of residents and tourists, the space has generated more income,” adds Yasmin.
For Cássia Lima, 28 years old, the waterfront has become a daily destination. “I go more often to run and eat at the kiosks. Now, we have a space for young people to practice sports in front of the waterfront. It’s a combination of things that make this place wonderful: the wind, the birds, and the calmness of the late afternoon, being able to breathe fresh air while looking at the beauty of our tide,” she highlights.
In the assessment of professor Rondi Palha, 47 years old, the new structure also impacts the feeling of safety. “I believe the waterfront has brought more leisure and safety for residents. It’s a well-maintained and illuminated space, which increases the feeling of safety, especially at night. Additionally, I have noticed an increase in tourist activity since the inauguration,” assures the resident.
Accessible structure - The first phase of the work is 300 meters long, featuring a fountain shaped like a boat, benches, trash cans, a playground, accessible sidewalks with tactile paving, a viewpoint, snack kiosks, and restrooms. The space also pays tribute to the fishermen of São Caetano, with a central iron monument and an artistic mural depicting the riverside scenery.
At the inauguration of the work, Governor Helder Barbalho highlighted the tourism potential of the region. “I am in São Caetano de Odivelas delivering the city’s waterfront. This place is beautiful, a paradise with the Atlantic, a very strong area for sport fishing, artisanal fishing that generates jobs, generates income, and tourism here has fantastic potential. And now, with this waterfront, come and discover São Caetano de Odivelas. It’s beautiful; a paradise,” stated Helder Barbalho.
Tourism and culture - With the new waterfront, the city attracts more visitors interested in experiencing the landscape of the Mojuim River, the typical cuisine (with an emphasis on crab) at the kiosks, and the local culture, represented by elements such as the traditional “cabeçudos” and the pierrôs, who use heads and masks made from baskets and papier-mâché.
The space has also become a reference for cultural and sports events, strengthening the economy and the self-esteem of the population.
"The new Waterfront of São Caetano de Odivelas is yet another public facility delivered by the Government of Pará that ensures the improvement of the quality of life of the population, expanding leisure conditions for residents with a viewpoint, kiosks, and accessible sidewalks. Furthermore, it provides new conditions for families who depend on tourism, fostering not only the economy of the city but also that of the Guamá Integration Region," said Ruy Cabral, Secretary of Public Works.
