Eviction cycles in Belém (PA): the Tucunduba River Basin and the reproduction of precariousness

Abstract

This article presents evidences that there is an ongoing cycle of evictions in the Tucunduba River basin, in the Brazilian city of Belém (PA), where urbanization work has been taken place over several years, which has caused an increasing number of displaced families. It is understood that the housing provision shortage has led to an increase in cases of judicialization, which thereby contributes to further irregular occupations and, thus, a continuation of precariousness and informality. The reasons that contribute to the situation have been classified into four groups: operational/planning; political/administrative; ideological; and extra-legal. Empirical and documentary sources, interviews with technicians from public bodies and with the population threatened by eviction, and an analysis of the judicial processes demonstrate that while evictions intensify the condition of vulnerability of the families, they also serve to maintain structures that support peripheral capitalism.

Keywords:
Evictions; Informal Settlements; Urbanization; Tucunduba River Basin; Belém