Crochet course promoted by Cosanpa encourages income generation on Marajó Island
Training integrates the social actions of the Company alongside the expansion works of the water supply system, which are already over 60% complete in Breves
The Companhia de Saneamento do Pará (Cosanpa) promoted a crochet course in Breves, on Marajó Island, aimed at women from the municipality, alongside the ongoing expansion works of the water supply system in the city. The training, conducted by the Company's Social Programs Advisory, is part of the social compensations outlined in contracts for works financed by the Caixa Econômica Federal.
With a workload of 20 hours, the course took place over five days and had full participation from the enrolled women, mostly housewives and retirees. During the classes, they learned to make items such as placemats, coasters, and keychains. In addition to receiving a completion certificate, the 20 participants took home the items produced and an entrepreneurial kit to continue their work.
The initiative sparked enthusiasm among the participants. At 68 years old, Mrs. Iraci Fialho de Oliveira, one of the students, highlighted her intention to continue with artisanal production as an income alternative. "I liked it a lot and I will keep making things. I hope to sell many pieces to help with my family income. For me, it is also a moment of leisure, distraction, and learning," she reported.
Another participant, Maria da Conceição, emphasized the importance of the training. "I thought it was very good, great. I didn't even know how to hold the needle and I learned a lot; for me, it was valuable because it can be a source of income for my family. It's a pity it was such a short time, but it has already helped me a lot," she stated.
The course was chosen based on a survey conducted by the CRAS and civil entities in the municipality, which identified crochet as an activity of interest to the community. In addition to this training, in September, the residents of Breves also participated in lectures on water resource preservation.
According to Anasthácia Almeida, Social Programs advisor at Cosanpa, the activities have been well received. "We are promoting courses, environmental and health lectures, as well as service desks to clarify community doubts about the work. This month, we will also conduct training in craft making and lectures on breast cancer prevention," she highlighted.
Expansion works of the water system
Alongside the social actions, the expansion works of the Breves Water Supply System have already reached 61.72% completion. The investment, exceeding R$ 16 million, includes resources from the Government of Pará and the Union, with an expected completion date in the first half of 2026.
The project includes the construction of two new reservoirs — one elevated with a capacity of 830 m³ and another supported with 1,000 m³ — in addition to a new Water Treatment Station (ETA) with a capacity of 644.4 m³/h and about 14 kilometers of distribution network, which will interconnect approximately 1,600 households. In the end, more than 50,000 residents will benefit from treated and regular water.
Among the ongoing services are the completion of the supported reservoir, the start of the elevated reservoir structure, land clearing of the area, recovery of the ETA, electrical installation, and implementation of the drainage network. Water will be sourced from the Parauaú River, ensuring greater water security for the population.
Resident Benedito Silva, 66, reinforces the community's expectation for the completion of the work. "This work here in Breves will benefit many people. Our lives will improve when the water reaches our homes."
