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Complexo do Alemao 2013 Previously one of the most dangerous favelas, Complexo do Alemao was pacified in 2010, meaning the police raided the area, battled to get drug dealers off the streets, and installed themselves as a 24/7 guard for the community. The government claims to be cleaning up the citys occupied favelas with its pacification (UPP) program but things are not as simple as that, Complexo do Alemao is a good example. There are certainly less gunfights, and people are able to move around more freely. But in recent months, 4 police officers were shot by drug dealers here, and the social intergration between the police and residents is still not entirely comfortable. The Teleferico (or cable car) opened in 2011 as an undeniable example of the governments dedication to connecting the favelas to the city. But this multi-million dollar construction has not been so popular with residents who say the money could have been better spent on social services like health care. The Telefericos capacity to improve mobility for residents is exaggerated, as they already have an efficient combi van and moto-taxi system to get around. The red, black and green building in the valley is an abandoned hostel that NGO Afroreggae were just about to open mid-2013 when the building was set on fire and employees received death threats due to rifts between Afroreggaes head, the local drug bosses and a pastor who had been recently sent to jail. After being one of the most high profile agents for social change for over 8 years in the Complexo, Afroreggae were chased out of the area.

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Complexo do Alemão
Copyright
Nicola Dracoulis
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6144x4096 / 6.0MB
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Viver no Meio do Barulho - Rio
Complexo do Alemao 2013 Previously one of the most dangerous favelas, Complexo do Alemao was pacified in 2010, meaning the police raided the area, battled to get drug dealers off the streets, and installed themselves as a 24/7 guard for the community. The government claims to be cleaning up the citys occupied favelas with its pacification (UPP) program but things are not as simple as that, Complexo do Alemao is a good example. There are certainly less gunfights, and people are able to move around more freely. But in recent months, 4 police officers were shot by drug dealers here, and the social intergration between the police and residents is still not entirely comfortable. The Teleferico (or cable car) opened in 2011 as an undeniable example of the governments dedication to connecting the favelas to the city. But this multi-million dollar construction has not been so popular with residents who say the money could have been better spent on social services like health care. The Telefericos capacity to improve mobility for residents is exaggerated, as they already have an efficient combi van and moto-taxi system to get around. The red, black and green building in the valley is an abandoned hostel that NGO Afroreggae were just about to open mid-2013 when the building was set on fire and employees received death threats due to rifts between Afroreggaes head, the local drug bosses and a pastor who had been recently sent to jail. After being one of the most high profile agents for social change for over 8 years in the Complexo, Afroreggae were chased out of the area.