Governor Helder Barbalho visits construction works in Vila da Barca, Belém
Interventions are progressing and already ensure 60% completion in the expansion of water supply. More than 5,000 residents will benefit.
From her doorstep, 76-year-old Dona Leonor Cardoso sees the movement of workers among the stilt houses in Vila da Barca. She has lived here for over 60 years and speaks of her happiness in seeing the investment coming to the community. "We hope for good things for us, and God sent this opportunity. I am very happy!" said the retiree.
In light of the progress of the works, Governor Helder Barbalho conducted a technical visit to the community that is benefiting from the expansion of access to treated water for residents of the stilt houses and residential areas, as well as sewage collection and treatment. Accompanied by community leaders, managers from the Águas do Pará company, the Pará Sanitation Company, Belém's mayor Igor Normando, and councilors, the head of the executive walked through the stilt houses where new water pipes and meters have already been installed. "We are working towards a definitive solution for water and sewage. Everyone will have sanitation, which means more health and quality of life for the community," emphasized the governor.
The work for the water supply is already 60% completed, with delivery expected in early October. According to the CEO of Águas do Pará, which will manage the state's sanitation, the sewage system works will begin shortly thereafter. "We are prioritizing water before addressing sewage. We will implement around 1,800 meters of pipes that will collect this sewage and transport it to the ETE UNA, where it will be treated before safely returning to the environment," highlighted André Facó.
The investment will benefit more than 5,000 residents of the stilt houses and residential areas, who will also be served by the Social Tariff. The water supply infrastructure includes a pipeline, pumping system, distribution networks, and household connections, as well as sewage collection and treatment infrastructure, benefiting over 1,400 homes. Gerson Bruno Siqueira is the president of the Vila da Barca Residents' Association and spoke about the historic investment for the community.
"We have a historic victory for the Vila da Barca community, a centennial community in the heart of Belém, and we have immense expectations; we are truly seeing the day-to-day work, we are seeing the work being executed, advancing more and more. It is an ecstasy of great emotion, many years of struggle, but we are seeing this long-dreamed benefit for this community arrive."
In addition to the works carried out by Águas do Pará, the governor, accompanied by Mayor Igor Normando, also visited the works of the Sewage Pumping Station, executed by the State Government. On this occasion, Helder Barbalho spoke with residents and discussed the benefits of the new structure.
"We are at the Pumping Station that will only transport sewage to the Una Treatment Station, which is being completed on Arthur Bernardes. These are investments here of 20 million reais, plus 140 million for the ETE UNA, which represents the largest investment in the history of the State of Pará in sewage treatment and will provide a solution for 10 neighborhoods in Belém that will have treated sewage, ensuring health for our population," reinforced Helder Barbalho.
For resident Adriano Moura, who is also a leader within the community, the benefits of the investment in Vila da Barca are a turning point in the history of the place.
"This public policy within Vila da Barca is of utmost importance. I often say that Vila da Barca has become very popular in recent years; it is a community of resistance, a centennial community, and for us, it is a historic moment, right? A lot of joy that this work will greatly benefit the residents, the people who have suffered for some time with lack of water and sewage. This work will help the community a lot."
Historic investment in sanitation - The works of Águas do Pará, a subsidiary of Aegea in the State, in Vila da Barca mark the beginning of a cycle of investments in the sanitation area in Pará. After the concession of services, the Aegea group will operate in 126 municipalities in Pará with a total investment exceeding R$ 20 billion and will benefit 5.3 million people throughout the State.
The goal is to universalize access to treated water by 2033 in all blocks, as well as sewage collection and treatment by 2039 in blocks B, C, and D, and by 2033 in block A, according to the new Legal Framework for Sanitation (Law 14.026/2020).
