Estudo de caso sobre os impactos socioeconômicos de reassentamento involuntário sobre as famílias atingidas pelo Programa de Saneamento da Bacia da Estrada-Nova (PROMABEN I), Belém-PA

Abstract

This research sought to analyze the socioeconomic impacts of involuntary resettlement on affected families by the Estrada Nova Basin Sanitation Program (PROMABEN I). With this focus, a single case study was undertaken, using mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative), to ascertain the socioeconomic impacts of resettlement on families resettled in the Antônio Vinagre Housing Complex. The study confirmed that the economic recovery of these families remains questionable eight (8) years after resettlement. In this light, being involuntarily resettled at a distance of 5.5 km away from the area of origin, families continue to incur increased spending on basic services and goods including water, transport and electricity, which were absent or minimal before being resettled. Employment opportunities have dwindled particularly for women and food items have become inaccessible in supermarkets in resettlement zone. Although there are visible improvements in housing and sanitation among resettled families, social conflicts continue to plague them as they adjust to vertical housing and to share utility bills. Therefore, resettled families face the social risk of impoverishment almost one decade after being resettled, as is reflected by living below the national and regional (North Region) poverty line as of 2017. This situation is aggravated by aging, long distance resettled from area of origin and distortions to income earning activities among resettled families.