Picture a steep rise. It has a rift running right down the middle. That’s often the first view of Morro do Adeus in Complexo do Alemão. We are standing before Horácio Piccorelli Road. It is a road marked by challenges and community spirit.
Morro do Adeus is a favela within the larger Complexo do Alemão. This vast area in Rio de Janeiro has a rich history. It is marked by struggles and resilience. The name “Morro do Alemão” or German’s Hill comes from a Polish immigrant. His name was Leonard Kaczmarkiewicz. He bought land here in the 1920s. Locals called him “o alemão” or the German. The area became known by his nickname.
For many years, residents of Morro do Adeus faced a difficult climb home. Horácio Piccorelli Road was riddled with holes and debris. This made it dangerous. It was especially hard for the elderly. It also posed challenges for those with disabilities.
But the people of Morro do Adeus are not easily deterred. They decided to take matters into their own hands. United by necessity, they started repairing the road themselves. Residents contributed cement and money. Men provided the labor. They worked every weekend. Sometimes they even worked evenings during the week.
Lucinéia Veiga has lived in Complexo do Alemão for 50 years. She emphasized the importance of this community project. She said that they needed to be able to get to their homes easily. They also needed cars to be able to drive up.
Ana da Silva remembers the street’s condition. She remembers it before the construction started. She recalls how difficult it was to get home. That is why they are building a slope. They don’t want stairs. Stairs pose a higher risk of falling. When the slope is finished, things will be much easier. Even wheelchairs will be able to go up.
Around 15 residents worked on building the sloped paving. Despite their efforts, challenges remained. Weeds grew. Rain brought bugs. Snails are transmitters of diseases. The residents faced these issues head-on.
Residents sought help from the Neighborhood Association. However, they claimed that their street is not part of Morro do Adeus. Lucinéia protested indignantly. She asked how that could be. They want votes for the president of the association. Then they think that they are a part of it. The association is not helping at all.
Marco Antônio de Souza has lived here since he was born. He said that they got together and gave cement and sand. They are doing it. They were tired of hearing empty promises. He said that the street was always like this. They decided to get together and make a change.
The residents of Morro do Adeus are resilient. They took collective action. They transformed a difficult path into a symbol of community power. Their efforts highlight the spirit. It shows the determination to improve their own lives. Their commitment shows what can be achieved when people unite for a common goal.