REFAVELA : propostas para reconhecer e integrar os assentamentos populares de Campina Grande (PB) a partir das Zonas Especiais de interesse social.

Abstract

The accelerated urbanization process in Brazil in the 20th century, marked by economic, political, and socio-spatial inequalities, had as one of its material expressions the popular settlements, most of which were in precarious situations and posed socio-environmental risks to their residents. Such conditions require that urban planning be inclusive, recognizing these territories as priorities. In this context, the Special Zones of Social Interest (ZEIS) emerged in the 1980s as a regulatory instrument to facilitate the promotion of urbanization, land regularization, and, later, social housing. This study aims to analyze the socio-spatial dynamics and the urban and environmental conditions of the popular settlements of Campina Grande - PB, based on Municipal Law No. 4,806/2009 and the city's Master Plan (of which the author participated in the review process in 2024), proposing the creation of new ZEIS and the expansion of those already established. The research combined qualitative and quantitative approaches, integrating a literature review on the production of urban space and urban regulation, analysis of legal documents, georeferenced mapping and fieldwork. Among the main results of the work, it is possible to highlight that: in eight (08) of the 11 settlements, according to the criteria established by Law No. 4.806/2009, there is potential for their transformation into ZEIS 1, while in the ZEIS 1 already established there was an increase of 85.9% in the number of households and an expansion of 50.6% of their delimited areas since 2009, requiring cartographic and institutional-legal updating. Based on the work, it is estimated that 2,150 families would need to be resettled because they are located in non-consolidable areas. The study also identified 1,113 unoccupied plots of land located in areas adjacent to ZEIS with the potential to be transformed into ZEIS 2. This study also presented a discussion of the gap between state regulations and practices, highlighting the prevalence of real estate sector interests in the municipal public agenda and the lack of popular participation in urban management. The conclusion is that the review of ZEIS should be associated with integrated intersectoral policies, ensuring housing security and socio-spatial integration, in line with legislation to promote the right to the city and socio-territorial justice.