Kimberly Dudeck

Article Reflection
Favelas and Urban Planning
The favelas, or slums, of Brazil are where the majority of drug trafficking and gang
violence take place. The shanty-towns are characterized by their steep slopes and narrow
alleyways, as well as countless homes packed closely together in a sprawling fashion. The
houses are generally made out of brick and cement, most have running water, and the majority of
the homes run on electricity. Sanitation is one of the biggest issues the favela communities face.
Their waste management practices consist of a large flowing channel filled with sewage that runs
down the center of the streets. Surprisingly, around 65% of favela residents are a part of Brazils
new middle class (BBC News), even though these places sounds like they are located in the
ghetto. Favelas are often portrayed as slums as a result of the information presented by the
media.
The largest favela, known as Rocinha, is located just up the hill from the wealthy
beachfront neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro, but it is hardly the worst of its kind. Due to its
proximity to richer areas, Rocinha is often times the beneficiary of hefty federal and state grants
for urban redevelopment projects (Hammer), although the neighborhood is still controlled by
drug gangs. According to the 2010 Census, about 6% of Brazils population live in favelas or
shanty-towns, where the average monthly income has been recorded as $240 US dollars (BBC
News). This neighborhood significantly lacks basic services, solid infrastructure, and public
investment.

In an effort to reduce gang violence and drug abuse in Rios favelas, a pacification
program was set in motion by Brazilian government officials in November of 2011 (Hammer).
Pacifying Police Units (PPU) were set up in permanent positions on the streets with a mission to
disarm drug gangs and arrest major traffickers. The main purpose of this program was to attempt
to regain control of the territories run by gangs and drug lords, as well as improve Rios image
just in time for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Ever since the cleanup of favelas took place in Rio de Janeiro, many residents have been
given the proper provisions required to live a healthier lifestyle. After reading the personal
stories provided by the people who live in these areas, it is clear that this cleanup was one of the
best decisions Brazilian authorities could have made. There was no longer an aura of fear
(Hammer) among the favelas that would have normally kept outsiders at bay, following the
pacification program. A local resident had stated that, people are no longer smoking dope in the
streets, or openly carrying their weapons. its turned out better than I expected (Hammer). It
seems as though the streets have become more of a safer environment and parents are no longer
worried about raising children in these particular locations.
I believe that the Brazilian government needs to continue to fund programs, such as this
one, in order to help the favela communities remain safe and protected. Due to the fact that a
large percentage of the population reside in these shanty-towns, it is important for the authorities
to invest their time and money into keeping these areas clean and free of drugs and violence. The
favela population would be a much happier community in doing so. It could also potentially
decrease the poverty rate and allow for a better reputation among the favela neighborhoods.

Works Cited
BBC News. "Favela Life: Rio's City Within a City." News: Latin America and Caribbean. BBC
News, 09 June 2014. Web. 29 Nov. 2016. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latinamerica-27635554
Hammer, Joshua. "A Look Into Brazil's Makeover of Rio's Slums." Smithsonian.com.
Smithsonian Institution, Jan. 2013. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/people-places/a- look-into-brazils-makeover-of-riosslums-165624916/?no-ist