Rio - Urban Planning project

Question 1

How does the Favela Barrio project work?

Answer 1

• site and service scheme - authorities provide land and service for people to build their own homes on
  -Complexo de Alemao now has 60,000 homes built with improved and regulated materials
• paved roads are given names and added to maps
  -families taught to build stable homes out of strong materials
• paved roads also allow the access of emergency services and rubbish removal trucks
• drainage and clean water supplies improved - reduces the impact of water borne diseases such as cholera
• attempts to make dangerous slopes more stable during heavy rain so favelas built of steep hillsides will not be damaged in landslides
• cultural activities such as samba and reggae are run to prevent youth getting caught up in organized crime
• tax money used to pay for police patrols to decrease crime + 100% mortgages are available for people to buy a home - this prevents them having to save up

Question 2

Give 4 things that show the Favela Barrio project has been successful

Answer 2

By improving roads and providing free cable car tickets to the city centre, the mobility of residents has increased
Access to education, healthcare, clean water and sanitation, as well as strong building materials has improved quality of life
Employment has risen - more money can be spent on local businesses and more children are going to school and avoiding organized crime
Recognized by the UN as an example other Brazilian cities should follow to improve their favelas

Question 3

Give 3 reasons the Favela Barrio project has not been successful

Answer 3

-The budget was $1 billion but can not cover all the favelas in Rio
-New built infastructure is not being maintained as the budget cannot cover it
- people may own their own homes but do not have the skills to make repairs
- better quality housing commands higher rents- the poorest worst off than before