Os mesmos moradores em novas moradias? Da comunidade do Maruim ao Residencial São Pedro

Abstract

The following research resides in the discussion about the changes in the living and housing conditions due to policies to remove the population from vulnerable areas. The research focuses on the residents of the Maruim community, which used to occupy an area corresponding to 15,186 m², with 160 housing units, sheltering 168 families, near Natal’s Port. The Community’s social and cultural importance is emphasized, as it has been characterized, more frequently, throughout its history, by high social vulnerability and by the high degree of insalubrity in their homes. There is also the urban land conflict with the Port of Natal, in dispute over its territory, which resulted in its removal. Most of the families removed from the community were relocated to Residencial São Pedro, a project subsidized by the Minha Casa, Minha Vida Program (PMCMV), with 200 apartment units, built in 2016. Families from Maruim and 6 other locations in Natal were relocated to the housing projects, the areas being Areia Preta, Pajuçara, Jacó, Africa, Mãe Luíza and Passo da Pátria. In this context, the research seeks to investigate the changes in living and housing conditions from the insertion of residents in a new housing typology, adjusting to a new neighborhood, the use of equipment and common living areas and the relationship with a regular home - which leads to new costs and responsibilities. The research procedures include bibliographic, documentary and newspaper reviews, the use of qualitative and quantitative data obtained in research carried out by Natal’s nucleus of Metropolis Observatory and the Estúdio Conceito research group and field activity with interviews by questionnaires and photographic record in the study area. The research’s results shows that the relocated community achieved better housing conditions, primarily sanitary, which led to a reduction in housing and urban inequality; but in contrast, with regard to living conditions, there is a fragility of important and expensive issues, such as financial, cultural and community.