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The widening of BR-381 will bring improvements to traffic, but at the cost of dispossessing 2 families. The social impact of this project will be significant and raises questions about the relocation and support for those affected.
One of the most important highways in Minas Gerais is about to undergo a transformation that could affect thousands of people.
A duplication of a section The crucial part of BR-381, which connects Belo Horizonte to cities in the region, has been awaited for years.
But what many don't know is that this work will directly impact the lives of around 2 families, which will be expropriated to make way for the new route.
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Amidst promises of improvements, security and development, disturbing questions arise: what will be the social consequences of this monumental work? And will everyone be relocated fairly?
The start of construction and the billion-dollar investment
The contract for the duplication of BR-381, between Caeté and the district of Ravena, was signed, marking the beginning of a ambitious project.
The investment is R$ 393,7 million, an amount that, according to the federal government, will be used to duplicate, restore and improve almost 20 kilometers from the highway.
This area is known for long traffic jams and, therefore, the work is seen as a solution to solve decades-long infrastructure problems.
According to the Official Gazette of the Union, the company responsible for the execution, Construtora Luiz Costa Ltda, will have six months to prepare the basic and executive projects.
Only after this stage, which ends in April 2024, the machines will start working on site.
A promise that generates enthusiasm… and concern
According to the Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, this work is a “dream” that is finally becoming a reality.
On his social media, he celebrated the contract and highlighted the importance of the duplication for the safety of drivers.
Furthermore, he praised the role of the Minister of Transport, Renan Filho, who put Minas Gerais back in the spotlight for investments in roads.
However, along with the enthusiasm comes concerns. About 2 thousand families be expropriated so that the new highway route can be built.
This means that many people will have to leave their homes and wait for one fair relocation, which often ends up being a lengthy and complicated process.
A critical section and division into lots
The work to be carried out is part of the so-called Lot 8A, which covers the stretch between Caeté and Ravena.
In September of this year, the notice for the duplication was finally published, but with a significant change:
a transfer of works from Belo Horizonte exit for the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (Dnit).
This led to division of the highway into two lots: 8A and 8B, facilitating the organization of the process.
The mayor of Sabará, Wander Borges, expressed his support for the project and made himself available to contribute with whatever is necessary.
He highlighted the importance of the duplication for the development of the region and the state's economy, since BR-381 is one of the busiest and most strategic roads in Minas Gerais.
The auction that shook up the transport sector
In August 2024, an important stage was completed with the auction for the concession of a 303,4-kilometer stretch of BR-381, connecting Belo Horizonte to Governador Valadares.
The winner of the auction was the company 4UM Investments, which showed interest after the federal government made significant changes to the project.
These changes included the removal of the section between Belo Horizonte and Caeté, considered problematic due to the geological risks and the legal complexity required to carry out the works.
According to industry experts, this withdrawal was essential to avoid more deserted auctions, as had happened previously.
Social impact: who will pay the price?
The main point of attention in this whole process is the social impact that this work will cause. About 2 thousand families will be directly affected, with their properties being expropriated.
The question is: how will these people be relocated? Will there be sufficient support to ensure they have adequate housing and a dignified resettlement?
Experience with other infrastructure projects in Brazil shows that relocating so many people is always a complex process, which can drag on for years and leave many families in a vulnerable situation.
Furthermore, the pace of expropriations often does not keep up with the progress of the works, which can generate even more problems.
What's next on BR-381?
The mayor of Sabará and other local political leaders have been mobilizing to closely monitor the progress of the bidding for Lot 8B, the other section of BR-381 that will also be duplicated.
According to government information, a meeting with members of the Comptroller General's Office is scheduled to discuss the process and next steps.
This duplication, although necessary to improve traffic and safety, carries a series of logistical and social challenges that need to be faced.
And, over the next few years, it will be interesting to see how the federal government, the companies involved and civil society will deal with the demands that will arise.
The future of BR-381: development at any cost?
The works to widen the BR-381 highway promise to bring benefits to the region's economy and improve driver safety.
But at the same time, they raise questions about the social cost of this development. Will the 2 thousand families expropriated will they receive the attention they deserve?
Do you believe that progress justifies the social impacts caused by large infrastructure projects like this?
Progress is inevitable. Improvements in infrastructure are crucial. More and more lives can be saved from serious accidents. The families living along the river suffer from the precarious pedestrian conditions in the current area. Trucks, buses and cars are crisscrossing Brazil.
I confirm the above comment. This work is essential for the advancement of our infrastructure and to save lives that are lost in the countless accidents that this road causes. Many residents have even invaded the highway's right-of-way. Of course, it is important to think about a dignified and judicious relocation, but this work will already be decades late.
These families occupied the sides of the highway illegally for many years. The authorities never did anything. Now they pretend to be victims.
The social impact is inevitable, but tell this to the relatives of the people who died on this BR over the years. I know many people who died on the 381, even friends or acquaintances. Relatives who lost their livelihood due to the absence of the person who died tragically.
And what about those who let the people occupy the place? Will the mayors of Sabara, Santa Luzia and BH go unpunished?
Obviously the relocation must be fair and there is no other way to do it? Or not to do it at all.