Brazil’s Housing Minister Jader Filho revealed plans for 1,500 new homes in cyclone-affected Rio Grande do Sul areas.
He shared this in an interview with a major newspaper on Sunday.
The government will invest R$225 (US$45) million in this housing project. Income levels will decide who gets these homes.
Jader Filho and seven other ministers visited Vale do Taquari on Sunday.
They confirmed the tragic loss of 46 lives and 46 missed persons in the recent natural disaster.
Acting President Geraldo Alckmin led the official visit. He flew over the impacted area and pledged a relief fund of R$741 million.
Rio Grande do Sul Governor Eduardo Leite was also part of the visit. He accompanied the Vice President and other ministers from the cabinet.
The severe weather hit 85 towns. Over 10,000 people had to evacuate their homes. Latest numbers show that more than 135,000 people are affected.
Eduardo Leite, the governor, expressed hope for quick recovery in Muçum, the town hit hardest. Muçum saw at least 16 deaths.
Around 1,000 rescue workers and about ten helicopters have joined the search. Two bridges are destroyed, and several routes are blocked.
Background
The new homes are part of the “My House, My Life” program. This initiative has been providing affordable housing across Brazil for years. The recent disaster has made this need more urgent.
Rio Grande do Sul often faces extreme weather events. In the past, flooding and droughts have posed challenges. But this cyclone was one of the worst the state has seen.
The fund of R$741 million is one of the largest relief efforts for a natural disaster in Brazil.
Critics, however, question if it will be enough. Infrastructure, health, and agriculture also need attention.
The government hopes the R$225 million invested in housing will kick-start the local economy. Construction jobs could provide immediate work for locals.
Governor Eduardo Leite has been active in securing federal support for his state. He’s worked closely with the central government, regardless of party lines.