Physical Infrastructure

 

The provision of basic infrastructure, water and sewage in particular, are crucial services for a healthy and safe living environment. In Cachoeira only a third of the population has access to clean water in their homes. The community is also without any comprehensive sewer system, with 56% of residents having absolutely no home sanitation. The study of Cachoeira indicates that the lack of these services has contributed greatly to the unhealthy living conditions and sickness that is prevalent in the favela.

Due to the unique physical, social, and economic layout of Cachoeira, innovative and creative approaches to infrastructure provision must be considered. In traditional methods of infrastructure provision two problems often emerge: (1) the levels and standards of service provisions are frequently modeled on high levels of service prevailing in industrialized countries and (2) those implementing the infrastructure have little knowledge of or concern for the settlements in which they are provided this service.

While cost is perhaps the biggest challenge in the development of infrastructure, the involvement of the residents of Cachoeira is essential to make any infrastructure project work. Without both the favelados acceptance and their direct involvement in infrastructure projects, there will not be the long term support necessary to keep the services operating. Yet along with financial and technical support a facilitator/coordinator will also be needed to organize and manage the development of each infrastructure project. Within Cachoeira there are three main infrastructure initiatives to be addressed: housing and soil erosion, garbage accumulation, and water and sanitation.

Housing within Cachoeira varies in materials, durability, quality, and layout. Many residents especially those on the hillsides require shelter that is well constructed and built upon a stable foundation. Being susceptible to landslides and earth erosion many various approaches need to be taken. The inclusion of retaining walls constructed of stone or wood to help prevent the loss of soil from under and around homes on steep slopes. The introduction of rain-water catchments and drain construction order to catch roof water, reduce run-off, and guide water down slopes and way from homes and settlement roads. Lastly the planting of trees and shrubs within and around Cachoeira would play an important role in the stabilization of hillsides and in reducing the erosive power of heavy drains.

Presently there is no garbage removal system in Cachoeira which along with immediate repercussions on health, contributes to the more long term problems of ground water contamination and pest infestation. Action must be established on two fronts: a campaign to stop neighbouring areas from dumping garbage on the periphery of the favela, and the organization of a collective clean up of the community. If, as suggested, no garbage removal system is in place the community might agree upon a temporary sight for all garbage. The establishment of a recycling and composting program within the community may begin to alleviate some of the waste in the area. Under such an initiative members of the community could be involved in the collection of household recyclable such as cardboard, tin, aluminum, plastics, and so on. The separation of organic material and the establishment of a compost site can also serve to create fertilizer for local gardens and agriculture.

In terms of water and sanitation over 75% of Cachoeira residents believe their families are put at risk due to a lack of clean water and proper sanitary services. More than half the homes in the community have no washrooms and no clean water sources for residents. Some public taps exist within the community however many of them are in disrepair or have been vandalized by people within the community. The first step the community might take is to repair these taps and if possible provide additional taps within each neighbourhood of the settlement. In order to establish a canalized water system the community might mobilize to lobby the municipality of Campina Grande in exchange for the human resources and commitment within the favela. Lastly the community can address the problems of sanitation and inadequate sewage disposal through the creation of community latrines, pour-flush or double-put latrines, or connections of households to a sewage system.

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