Microcredit plan reaches 15 more UPPs
In 2012, more than 25 new jobs will be created to boost the local economy; Investe Rio will inject R$ 6 million for loans, with 3% annual interest, to the commercial network in the communities; this social action is part of the pacification process in the capital.
Stephania Mello_247 - After occupying areas that were dominated by drug trafficking for almost three decades, the State is tackling violence in Rio with new social initiatives. The pacification process is moving towards a stage of social empowerment for residents of the pacified communities. This week, the state government announced an injection of R$ 6 million in microcredit per year into the UPP Entrepreneur Fund, through the Rio de Janeiro State Development Agency (Investe Rio). By May 30th, 15 advanced service points will be implemented in areas where the pacification process has been underway. The Santa Marta community, in the southern zone, was the pilot for the project in Rio. Rocinha then received a service point from the Agency for this line of credit about two months ago.
Interest rates of 3% per year are attractive to small entrepreneurs in the communities. The funds can be used to purchase materials that increase production or improve the quality of the product or service, or even as working capital. Loans can range from R$300,00 to R$15, with a maximum repayment term of 24 months.
The 15 communities that will be served by the end of May are Batan, Chapéu Mangueira-Babilônia, Pavão - Pavãozinho and Cantagalo, Tabajaras - Cabritos, Providência, São João, Quieto and Vidigal.
The next Investe Rio outposts will be implemented in the communities of Cidade de Deus, Formiga, Borel, Andaraí, Turano, Salgueiro, Macacos, Coroa – Fallet - Fogueteiro, Prazeres - Escondidinho, São Carlos, Mangueira and Alemão.
The president of Investe Rio, Maurício Chacur, estimates that 3 operations could be carried out in 2012. “Following the security measures, the State is now implementing social programs in the pacified communities. The granting of credit aims to boost the local economy and strengthen the economic activity of micro-entrepreneurs,” Chacur explained.
Other actions
The pacification process in communities includes professional training and stimulating the local economy through other means. In Macacos, a community in the northern zone that has had a UPP (Pacifying Police Unit) since November 2010, merchants began to organize themselves. After inspections of businesses, the unit's command detected 400 informal commercial establishments. From there, the residents themselves organized and created the Commercial and Service Providers Association of Morro dos Macacos, which brings together more than 190 local merchants. The first local gastronomic festival took place at the end of last year.
In the Complexo do Alemão, shortly before the installation of the UPP (Pacifying Police Unit), professional qualification courses and a gastronomic festival were held. Research will indicate the area's tourism potential and offer training in the sector for local residents.