Foz do Iguaçu has the worst sidewalks and lack of drains

It seems commonplace to say that two Foz do Iguaçus coexist in the same territorial space: one is for the tourist experience; the other is where the resident lives. But there is no more appropriate way to exemplify, in order to enumerate differential demands for the well-being of the population, which do not receive adequate attention in different administrations.

In two special reports, the H2FOZ shows that Foz do Iguaçu has the worst sidewalk conditions among the largest cities in Paraná and that half of the population lives on streets without drains and storm drains. Pedestrian paths and drainage systems have little space in the public debate, even more so in times of structural works — endless, it is true.

Only one in four residents of Iguaçu live on streets where the sidewalks are free of obstacles. The data comes from the IBGE Demographic Census. The rest of the population, 67%, live on streets where the paths for safe movement of pedestrians, wheelchair users or people with strollers have limiters.

Among the obstacles on sidewalks, the most common are vegetation — which, if not managed correctly, enters pedestrian spaces; posts and signs, which interfere with people's movement. Not to mention holes and deformations, due to lack of maintenance and care.

And for many residents of Foz do Iguaçu, the sign of rain is synonymous with fear of flooding, which affects homes and communities. The lack of manholes and storm drains, identified by the IBGE on streets where 52,5% of residents live, is part of this problem, helping to compromise what has been conventionally called the city's right to life.

This is infrastructure that can be considered basic — 97,7% of Maringá's streets and avenues are covered by this system. The report contextualized other drainage problems in the city, in addition to the lack of drains and storm drains, one of which is the waterproofing of urban soil.

Not long ago, former mayor Chico Brasileiro's (PSD) reelection campaign could be measured by the number of miles paved on streets and avenues. There is no question of the "eggshell" quality of many stretches. The lack of criteria for asphalting urban roads is considered by experts to be one of the aggravating factors that contribute to flooding.

In another example, a neighborhood in the Jardim São Paulo region, São Luiz, is waiting for the completion of flood containment works that began eight years ago. The last phase of the project has a cost of R$4,2 million and was supposed to start in September 2024. Not even a single brick has been laid. Only the promotional sign.