displacement

The stories of Vila Autodromo’s displacement to build the Olympic Park traveled around the world. Although this is not the first time that an Olympics has been involved in this kind of story, Rio 2016 was different due to the resistance of people who lived or still lives there. Vila Autodromo was the most well-known, but not the only one. In order to build the BRT, there were also people removed from their homes with both violence and the promise of a better housing.

In 2009, the government started  the public policy program: “Minha Casa, Minha Vida (My house, my life).” Its objective is to make housing accessible to families organized through housing cooperatives, associations and other private non-profit entities. The program, linked to the National Secretariat of Housing of the Ministry of Cities, is aimed at families with gross monthly family income of up to R $ 1,600.00 (U$S 500).

The authorities refer to this program when the displacement issue is mentioned. However, the problem is much deeper. The program is for that don’t own homes, not for those that were displaced. So when they were displaced, they were unable to utilize the program because it was unclear of their status of having homes.

One year later residents expressed “saudade” (a feeling of loss, sadness and nostalgia) amongst neighbors that were separated from each other. The loss was not only material, there was an impact of interrupted history. Those neighborhoods have decades of history and a sense of community built around them. Vila Autodromo keeps fighting for their rights and for keeping the families of the community united.

It seems the priorities are misplaced. The private Rio 2016 Organizing Committee projected building of the Olympic Park where there was a community. However, the government allowed its construction and also took care of displacement. Police forces had the authorization to use violence, which they exercised. One year later,  people that used to live there have been relocated and trying to go on with their lives.

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