Locals fear expropriations due to Santos-Guarujá tunnel

Residents of Macuco, Santos, voiced concerns over potential expropriations and land access impacts during the final stage of the public hearing on the Santos-Guarujá immersed tunnel, held at the Santos Port Authority (APS).

José Santaella, the secretary of the Macuco Community Association (Acom), criticized the lack of clarity surrounding the project, noting that five different plans had been prepared. “There’s confusion, and it’s evident this isn’t a fully matured project,” he remarked.

Addressing questions from residents, business representatives, and engineers, Raquel Carneiro, the director of the State Government’s Companhia Paulista de Parcerias (CPP), discussed the possibility of revising the tunnel’s depth, emphasizing cost reduction.

In response to housing concerns, Carneiro expressed a commitment to prioritize the needs of residents in Guarujá and Santos. “I’m available to visit the Macuco neighborhood today,” she stated, confirming the visit.

Regarding the project developed by the now-extinct Dersa, Carneiro praised its construction planning but acknowledged the need for potential access improvements, which are currently under discussion with the Port Authority.

Carneiro also addressed concerns about property expropriation, stating that official valuation tables were used, with efforts made to minimize expropriation. However, she did not specify the number of homes that could be affected.

Gabriela Costa, the deputy executive secretary of the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor), emphasized the public hearing’s role in fostering transparency and improving the project.

Alber Vasconcelos, director of the National Waterway Transport Agency (Antaq), underscored the project’s significance for the Port-City relationship. Eduardo Nery, Antaq’s general director, highlighted the regulatory agencies’ commitment to analyzing potential impacts on port operators, navigation, land, and user rights.

APS President Anderson Pomini stressed the importance of community engagement, referring to the public hearing as a crucial step in obtaining social approval for the project.

Source: A Tribuna

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