Santa Luzia building remains empty and abandoned after 133 families were vacated in São Luís

The Santa Luzia building, located in the São Francisco neighborhood, in São Luís, remains empty more than a year after the evacuation of 133 families, determined by a court ruling that ordered the interdiction and evacuation of the property. The building awaits a decision on renovation or demolition while neighbors report fear, dirt and invasions.

The judicial decision was taken after reports from the Regional Council of Engineering and Agronomy (Crea), the City of São Luís, the Fire Department, and judicial expertise, pointing out structural risks, fire and problems in the building's facilities.

According to the determination, residents had to leave the place within 13 days and would be included in the social rental program, with assistance of R$400 per month. Some families stated that, due to the short deadline for moving, they were unable to remove all their belongings.

"It was a decision that didn't look at the human or social side of people's housing. It separated everyone. You care about each person's condition. This is still our home, it's still in our hearts. We are exiled. It's like leaving your home, being in your country and going somewhere else. Safe really doesn't seem like it at all," said former resident and public servant, Maria Iranice Silva.

The court gave a period of three years to renovate the building, if there were technical and financial conditions to recover the property. Without the completion of the work, the decision would be to demolish the structure.

More than a year after the residents evacuated, the building remains closed, with signs of degradation. Former residents say they still don't know whether the property will be renovated or demolished.

According to neighbors living nearby, the situation worsened after the families left. Debris and weeds encroached on part of the structure, and the public lighting in the area was removed after it was vacated.

"After this building was vacated, two houses were already robbed. Security is a responsibility of the public authorities and it simply doesn't exist. Nobody takes any action. The building remains unoccupied and the rest of the street is insecure. That's what happens", reported neighbor Paulo Tinoco.

What do the authorities say?

Building in the São Francisco neighborhood has been abandoned for more than a year and worries residents of the region — Photo: Reproduction/ TV Mirante

In a statement, the Municipal Department of Urbanism and Housing (Semurh) informed that the Santa Luzia building was vacated by court order and that all families were included in the social rental program. The agency also stated that the building is sealed and undergoes periodic inspections.

Despite complaints from residents about vandalism at the site, Semurh reported that it has the support of public security to prevent irregular occupations.

The City of São Luís reported that it is awaiting the technical report from the engineering expert to determine whether the property will be renovated or demolished, as provided for in the court decision, which established a period of three years.

The Maranhão Public Defender's Office reported that around 30 families in the Santa Luzia Building are assisted by the agency and continue to receive social rent. The institution also stated that it requested the Court to maintain the benefit until a definitive housing solution was reached and requested that the property be collected by the municipality for studies, works, elimination of risks and land regularization.

Regarding the theft and looting recorded in the apartments after vacating, the Public Defender's Office stated that it will investigate the losses and the circumstances of the cases to evaluate the appropriate legal measures.