Housing solutions in Rio and effectiveness

Favela Clearance

• Favela clearance was initially used by the local government prior to the 2016 Olympic games

  • however, it was soon realised that slum clearance was not effective and that people would simply move to another location and begin again.

Self help Schemes

• self help schemes use the skills of local people e.g. Favela Bairro Project.

• much of the housing has been upgraded with concrete and bricks.

• many houses have been connected to metered electricity.

  • self help schemes are much more effective as it gives residents a sense of ownership

  • it improves the community spirit through working together

  • this is a cheaper alternative to brand new housing areas

  • the favela bairro project has been successful as the money from rents has allowed other favelas to be developed

  • however, it does not help families without jobs who cannot afford to pay rent

  • it is only the smaller favelas (500-2500) which have been a focus for this investment

Site and Service Schemes

• site and service schemes are brick homes built by the local government

• it includes installing pipes to provide sanitation and water supplies

• residents were given the opportunity to buy after initially renting

• streets are made wider to allow access for emergency services and waste lorries. improved refuse collection improved the overall environment

• roads have been paved and given formal addresses.

  • improving sanitation helps to reduce diseases such as cholera and typhoid in the favelas

Pacification

• Pacification introduced community police forces into some favelas

  • pacification was not totally successful because the police were accused of violent behaviour.