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Crucial Work Valued at R$ 100 Million Is Paralyzed After the PCC Expelled the Responsible Company and Occupied the Site. The Future of the Project, Vital to the Community and the Region, Is Uncertain, While Organized Crime Challenges the Public Authority.
A crucial project to combat flooding in Paraisópolis, in the southern zone of São Paulo, is at imminent risk. Organized crime, represented by the First Command of the Capital (PCC), has interrupted the works on the channelization of the Antonico stream, budgeted at over R$ 100 million, in a move that directly challenges public authorities. But how did this situation reach such a point?
Since early August, workers from the company responsible for the project have been forced to abandon the site after threats from the PCC.
According to reports from residents, collected by the newspaper Folha de S. Paulo, the criminal faction ordered the removal of workers and occupied the areas around the stream, where houses were removed in 2022 to allow the continuity of works.
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Growth of New Constructions
Recent images captured by drones, compared to satellite photos from previous months, reveal the rapid construction of new housing along the banks of the Antonico stream.
In a stretch of approximately 500 meters, where there were once cleared lots, wooden and brick structures are now emerging, many already in an advanced state of construction.
According to residents, this occupation follows a common pattern: first, wooden shacks appear, followed by brick houses.
This Tuesday (03), the São Paulo City Hall resumed part of the works, demolishing about ten houses built in risky areas along the Antonico.
According to the municipal secretary of Housing, Milton Vieira, the removals were only possible after obtaining a court decision for repossession, issued the day before. “Some families resisted leaving, but we obtained the court order to proceed,” declared Vieira.
Crime and Occupation: Who Are the New Residents?
According to residents, the families now occupying the banks of the stream are not originally from Paraisópolis. They claim that these people were brought from other regions by members of the PCC, in a possible attempt to extort the public authorities in exchange for compensation.
Moreover, armed criminals have been positioned at the site to prevent the workers’ return and to intimidate even the neighbors.
The tense atmosphere is evident throughout the favela, intensified by an alleged internal conflict between factions of the PCC itself. This clash is hindering dialogue between organized crime and traditional community leaders, whose influences are being challenged like never before.
Strategic Work for Paraisópolis and Morumbi
The channelization of the Antonico stream is a work of great importance for the Paraisópolis community and for the region around the Morumbi stadium.
It is estimated that about 1 million people will benefit from this intervention, which includes, in addition to the channelization, the removal of constructions in risky areas, the re-adjustment of housing units, and the implementation of drainage, water, and sewage networks.
However, while the section in Paraisópolis remains paralyzed, the works in other areas outside the favela continue.
The São Paulo City Hall, under the management of Ricardo Nunes (MDB), claims that the interventions on the Antonico, divided into six sections, have a projected budget of R$ 113 million. So far, R$ 30.6 million has already been invested in works, expropriations, and compensations, according to an official statement.
Authorities’ Position
Regarding organized crime’s actions, the city hall assured that it is collaborating with police authorities, which are under the jurisdiction of the state government, to resolve the impasse. “Any demands from the authorities will be met by this administration,” states the note.
The State Secretariat of Public Security of São Paulo, under Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans), reported that a representative of the company responsible for the works filed a police report regarding the invasions.
“The case was registered as non-criminal, as there was no report of crime at the time. The Civil Police is investigating the reports and is available to victims to gather more information,” says part of the official note.
According to the state government, the Military Police participated in a meeting with the agencies involved in the repossession process and is providing support to the Judiciary.
Uncertain Future and Challenges for Paraisópolis
The future of the channelization work of the Antonico stream remains uncertain. The situation in Paraisópolis is a clear example of the challenges faced by authorities in areas dominated by organized crime, where the public power has difficulty ensuring the continuity of essential projects for the population.
The company responsible for the affected section of the work, Transvias, was contacted by Folha de S. Paulo, but, according to the newspaper, the company chose not to comment. Likewise, the leaders of the Paraisópolis community did not respond to the contacts made by the mentioned newspaper’s report.
And now? What does the future hold for Paraisópolis? Faced with a crucial work paralyzed by organized crime, do you believe the authorities will be able to regain control and complete the project? Share your opinion in the comments!
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