Rio: Rocinha Favela
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Where is it? At first glance, Rocinha is just another crowded neighborhood. Look again. It's actually a slum --one of the 500 to 600 "favelas" that dot the hills in and around Rio. .

But Rocinha has made progress. In the late 1990s, authorities decided to put the slum on the tourist map. Rocinha's proximity to Rio's famous Ipanema Beach was one factor. "Many of our residents work at these hotels and homes in Ipanema, so it's a bit strange to see the rich people and outsiders come through here --looking at our homes and streets".

 What is it Like? Still, many of Rio's poor clamour to live here. Rocinha isn't just another favela, but the "first world of favelas" -- South America's largest and most developed slum. Varying counts put the population anywhere between 150,000 to over 250,000 people.

Many of the buildings are badly in need of paint, there's little running water or basic plumbing, and drug lords are said to rule

 Normally, people stay far away from Rocinha, unless they're here to buy drugs, like many of the rich people do."

 
  • Good Points:
    • started in 1950s so many houses have been gradually improved.
    • facilities are provided - like water and electricity
    • has a community feel and some shops
    • well known and on 'organised' tourist trip routes

    good views and near work in beach hotels

 
Bad Points:
  • lawless - said to be 'run' by drug barons
  • overcrowded with poor quality housing
  • much poverty - people lack education and skills so in low paid work if any.
  • area has a 'bad reputation' - so residents are discriminated against in the job market
  • lacks services like schools and health care.
  • lacks a proper street plan so refuse collection is difficult. Everything has to be carried out.

  • other crime prevalent like pickpocketing and prostitution.
  • contagious diseases spread in overcrowded conditions.
  • disease risk because sewers are open drains down streets.
  • steep slopes subject to landslides in heavy rain storms.
  • heavy rains wash sewage from upper slopes into houses lower down.
  • many of the residents are squatters and could be moved off the land.
  • the newest houses are often the poorest and are in the most dangerous locations.
Page assembled by Mr. N.