New phase of Morar Carioca reaches 224 families in the Aço community

Published on 13/07/2025 - 15:49 | Updated on 13/07/2025 - 15:53
The City Hall delivered 48 new furnished apartments in blocks 1, 2 and 3. Photo: Marcos de Paula

The urban transformation of the Aço community in Santa Cruz took another important step this Sunday (July 13th). Rio City Hall delivered 07 new furnished apartments in blocks 48, 1 and 2 of Quadra G, directly benefiting families living in vulnerable situations.

Coordinated by Rio-Urbe, linked to the Municipal Infrastructure Secretariat, the project has already provided 224 families with decent, well-structured housing.

"Of course, we take care of the entire city, but we have to pay special attention to those who need it most. That's why in the Aço community, we proudly say: this is the largest urbanization project in the city of Rio de Janeiro," says Deputy Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere proudly.

The deputy mayor couldn't hide his satisfaction when he saw one of the units delivered this Sunday, the apartment of Mariza Batista, 47, who has lived in the Aço community for 21 years. Standing next to Batista, he emphasized the importance of the project.

"It's a beautiful story, one that moves us, like that of so many families here in the Aço community, who waited up to 60 years and today we're delivering furnished apartments, with dining tables, refrigerators, and bedrooms. And it doesn't stop there; we have more lots and apartments to deliver in the future. More stories to transform in the Aço community."

Beaming, Mariza Batista expressed gratitude for the achievement. The mother of seven children said the new apartment was a dream come true.

"I'm happy for myself and all my neighbors. We're all one big family here. The whole community. We're thrilled and we're going to have a new life," he said.

The new residents join those already occupying units in blocks 1 through 11 in Block F, bringing the total number of inhabited blocks to 14. The fully furnished homes represent more than just a roof over their heads: they mark a new phase in the lives of these families, now with access to urban infrastructure, security, and a better quality of life.

President of Rio-Urbe, Maria Fernanda Cebrian, stated that it is very gratifying to deliver these units to a population that, for more than 50 years, has lived in improvised conditions.

"Today we're delivering three blocks, and another 11 have already been delivered. In total, there will be 36 blocks that will benefit 540 families," explained Maria Fernanda.

The inauguration reinforces the progress of Morar Carioca do Aço, one of the largest housing projects underway in the city, which includes the construction of 704 apartments spread across 44 buildings. Measuring approximately 50 square meters, each unit features a living room, kitchen, bathroom, two bedrooms, a balcony, and a laundry area. The buildings have four floors and house 16 apartments each. All ground floors are adapted for people with disabilities or reduced mobility. Ultimately, approximately four thousand people will benefit.

Also present at the delivery of the units were the Municipal Secretary of Infrastructure, Wanderson Santos, the Secretary of Government Coordination, Edson Menezes, the President of the Municipal Chamber, Carlo Caiado, and the Deputy Mayor of West Zone III, Ednelson de Lima.

Investment in housing and urbanization

The project, which involves investments of over R$240 million, is not limited to the construction of housing units. The proposal is to promote a true urban restructuring of an area of 195 square meters, with infrastructure, mobility, and service projects.

Improvements underway include the redevelopment of Rua São Gomário, a 1,1 km stretch up to Avenida Cesário de Melo, and the construction of 70 square meters of paved roads, 2,2 kilometers of cycle paths, 720 public lighting points, nine kilometers of sewage networks with a pumping station and 10 kilometers of water supply networks.

Another highlight is the new 3,5 million-liter water reservoir, already in operation. The structure supplies the apartments and reinforces the water supply for the entire community.

Quality of life as a priority

The program also includes a 28-square-meter leisure area, currently under construction to offer sports, culture, and social interaction. The space will feature plazas, courts, a skate park, an outdoor gym, playgrounds, a stage for events, and green spaces. This is a set of initiatives focused not only on housing but also on well-being and social inclusion.

The Aço community continues to undergo a transformation. With construction progressing rapidly and new deliveries scheduled, the project is establishing a new standard of urbanization and citizenship for thousands of families in the West Zone.

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