What if these favela walls could talk? Morro do Timbau has seen it all. It is located in the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro. It stands as a testament to the city’s vibrant yet complex history.
The name Morro do Timbau comes from the Tupi-Guarani language. “Timbau” means “between the waters”. This name reflects its original location. It was a dry area amid mangroves near Guanabara Bay.
Let’s rewind to the mid-20th century. Avenida Brasil opened. This event boosted the growth of Morro do Timbau. People flocked here seeking opportunity.
Dona Orosina Vieira arrived. Many consider her the first resident. She was charmed by the peaceful, empty land. She and her husband built a small shack. It became the first home in Timbau.
In 1947, the 1st Tank Regiment moved nearby. Suddenly, the military controlled the area. Residents faced strict rules. They even had to pay an “occupation tax”. They were not allowed to build permanent structures. Military presence restricted basic services.
The community organized. In 1954, they formed one of Rio’s first favela resident associations. Slowly, things improved. They gained access to water, electricity, and waste collection.
The 1979, Project Rio was established. It was a federal urbanization project. It aimed to remove the palafitas. These were stilt houses. In 1982, the project gave land ownership to the residents.
Today, Morro do Timbau is a typical hillside favela. It features an irregular, maze-like layout. Many streets follow the contours of the land. Due to military control, it has a low housing density. About 6,000 people live in roughly 2,700 homes.
In 1981, President João Baptista Figueiredo visited Morro do Timbau. He granted property titles to over 300 residents. This was the “first practical result” of Project Rio. The project aimed to modernize the area.
In 1979, the Ministry of the Interior planned a large land reclamation project. It would create new land along Guanabara Bay. The project hinged on removing Maré’s favelas.
Residents mobilized against the government’s plans. They wanted land titles instead of demolition. The press supported their cause. Architect Oscar Niemeyer visited Maré. He praised the favela’s construction.
The government changed its plans. It would convert palafitas into public housing. Residents with houses received land titles. This was a major victory.
Some residents moved from palafitas into conjuntos. These were families who could not afford to improve their homes. Still, Codefam stood firm on preventing eradication.
Morro do Timbau resisted. Its residents shaped their community. They fought for their rights. The story reminds us of the power of community. It also tells of the struggle for recognition.