06/05/2016
After a process that has had broad participation by the population, the site for the reconstruction of Bento Rodrigues (Mariana district) will be chosen this Saturday (May 7th). Voting will take place at the Convention Center of Mariana between 8 am and 5 pm. This is yet another phase of the reconstruction actions developed by Samarco after the collapse of the Fundão dam.
Representatives of all 226 families that lived in Bento Rodrigues will choose, through voting, where houses and common areas – such as squares, schools, health centers, religious temples and soccer fields – will be built. At least 60% of the representatives of these families must participate in the voting, and the chosen site must have over 60% of all votes to win. These criteria were defined together with the residents as well as representatives of the Public Prosecution Service.
According to Antonio Pereira Gonçalves, member of the Bento Rodrigues Residents Committee, the election process was fundamental to validate the community’s choice, “we hope that at least 90% of the families will participate in the voting. This shows that everybody is engaged in this process of dialogue and seeking a joint solution”, he said.
The entire process so far has been conducted under very strict rules, since it was necessary to listen to all the needs and comments of all the residents of the District. Thirty seven meetings were held, as well as two town hall meetings, and two visit programs to the pre-qualified sites were carried out – Lavoura, Carabina and Bicas. All sites are in a good location, have suitable topography, easy access to public transportation, water supply, proximity to springs and good soil for planting and raising livestock.
“The wishes of the residents and the fulfillment of their needs have guided the entire process of defining the new site. This process started in January, and all aspects have been subject to ample discussion, and all residents had a chance to visit the potential sites and study the technical aspects of each one,” stated Roberto Carvalho, Samarco’s CEO.
According to the Agreement signed with the Federal Government and the Governments of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, as well as with other government entities, Samarco has three years in which to rebuild the district. But the Company will spare no efforts to conclude construction as soon as possible, so that the residents can resume their normal activities.
Once the site is chosen, at the request of the Public Prosecution Service a more thorough study of the technical aspects will be carried out. The next step will be the definition of the architectural and urban design of the site.
The choice of the sites for the reconstruction of Gesteira and Paracatu de Baixo is also in progress. The criteria for the choice of these locations have already been defined.
See the technical data on the pre-selected sites for the reconstruction of Bento Rodrigues
The Lavoura site is in the district of Camargos. The total area is 2,232 hectares and the area available for acquisition is 350 hectares.
The Carabina site is in the urban area of Mariana. The total and purchase area is 150 hectares.
The Bicas site is also in the district of Camargos. The total area is 1,647 hectares and the available area for acquisition is 528 hectares.
