Federally owned plots of land, buildings to become housing in Brazil
In the coming months, Brazil’s government plans to make vacant public land and buildings available for affordable housing auctions. City authorities will be tasked with the bidding and the selection of benefited families.
The move comes under the Aproxima program (“Closer Together”), launched Tuesday (Jun 7) by the ministries of Regional Development and the Economy as a development of the Casa Verde Amarela program (“Green and Yellow House”).
At the launch ceremony, an ordinance was unveiled requesting municipalities to compile a list with federally owned plots of plant that may be incorporated into the program. In addition to affordable housing, the initiative should make room for plots and buildings to be employed in commercial projects, believed to bring development to the areas occupied.
Thus, a commercial housing enterprise may include shops on the ground floor, parking, and a variety of services.
Helder Melillio, executive secretary at Brazil’s Regional Development Ministry, said Aproxima aims to address shortages, stimulate urban development, and increase the supply of housing in downtown areas.
Also in attendance was Fabiana Rodopoulos, secretary for Coordination and Governance of Federal Property, who stated that the work of the agency is undergoing an expansion. In addition to selling federal plots currently vacant or little used, the body plans to conduct social work initiatives.
“Our secretariat is Brazil’s biggest real estate agency, encompassing some 700 thousand estates. So why not look at the social duties the agency is supposed to fulfill? I’m talking about housing—especially for low-income people,” she said.
Another advantage in the program, Melillo added, is the moderate use of resources. The government will not spend any money on grants ahead of the auctions. “The government is contributing with property. No funds will come from the federal budget. This is an initiative that does not compete with other programs funding-wise. That’s the big innovation of Aproxima,” Melillo pointed out.
