Case Study - Rocinha

Question 1

Describe what a favela looks like

Answer 1

• There are not many streets and roads

Question 2

How have the authorities in Rio de Janiero reduced problems in favelas?

Answer 2

• They have set up self help schemes

Question 3

What are ‘Self help schemes’?

Answer 3

• This is when the local authority provide local residents with the materials needs to construct permanent accommodation

Question 4

Name some of the self help housing schemes in Rocinha

Answer 4

• People get together in small groups to help eachother improve their homes
• Wooden shacks are replaced with brick and tile buildings
• Many homes have electricity and satellite tv

Question 5

What does the Local Authority aim to do?

Answer 5

• Spend £200 million to improve 60 of the 600 shanty towns in the city
• Replace wooden buildings or those on dangerously steep slopes with new larger houses

Question 6

Have the problems now been solved?

Answer 6

• Crime rates are still high, with violence and drug related crime major problems
• Unemployment is still at very high levels amongst residents
• It is difficult to improve many areas because the hillsides are so steep

Question 7

What are the solutions brought in to Rocinha?

Answer 7

• Residents of Rocinha transformed favela into a small city
• Buildings upgraded to brick and tile
• Set up own shops and small industries which is seen as the ‘informal sector’