Residents seek clarity on property acquisitions for Santos-Guarujá tunnel

Property owners who may be displaced by construction of the immersed tunnel between Santos and Guarujá are once again pressing the São Paulo state government and project operator TSG Concessionária for clarity on how their properties will be valued.

Residents of Macuco, a neighborhood in Santos that may be affected by the project, fear that compensation could fall below market prices, leaving families unable to purchase comparable homes elsewhere in the city.

The issue will be discussed again on Monday at a meeting with the São Paulo State Public Prosecutor’s Office in Santos. TSG Concessionária has confirmed that it will attend.

José Santaella Júnior, secretary of the Macuco Community Association, known as Acom, said residents want compensation to reflect both the value of the land and the average price per square meter in Santos, which he estimated at between R$8,600 and R$10,200.

“Many homes have cracks or are in poor condition, which ultimately leads to lower appraisals,” Santaella said. “We are advocating for replacement value so that families can afford to buy another property in the city.”

According to the association, residents submitted a study to the government based on approximately 600 properties listed for sale in Santos to support the proposed valuation method.

Compensation will be paid with public funds. The São Paulo state government has deposited R$561 million into an account earmarked for property acquisitions and resettlement, which will be managed by TSG Concessionária.

Santaella said one of three independent appraisal firms put forward by the concessionaire will be selected to assess the affected properties.

In a statement, the São Paulo Investment Partnerships Secretariat said the functional and detailed engineering designs, supplementary studies, property acquisition and resettlement discussions, and environmental licensing process will be carried out this year.

The state government reiterated that construction of the tunnel is expected to begin in 2027.

The secretariat said the boundaries of the affected areas will be finalized as technical and environmental studies advance. It also stated that all property acquisitions will comply with existing legislation.

TSG Concessionária said it remains in dialogue with residents and recognizes the legitimacy of their concerns. The company added that matters involving property acquisitions, compensation and the project’s final alignment are proceeding according to the established schedule and legal requirements.

Source: A Tribuna 

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