Public Prosecutor's Office opens inquiry into neglect in the conservation of historic church in Bahia
The Bahia State Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an inquiry into the alleged neglect of conservation efforts for the historic Church of Nossa Senhora do Bom Sucesso in Abaíra.
The Bahia State Public Prosecutor's Office has initiated a civil inquiry to investigate potential neglect in the conservation of the Church of Nossa Senhora do Bom Sucesso, which is situated in the district of Catolés in Abaíra, located in Chapada Diamantina. The church is a recognized historical and cultural asset that suffers from significant deterioration, with structural issues deemed grave enough to pose risks to safety.
The initiative aims to address the building's conservation by engaging with key stakeholders, including the municipality of Abaíra, the local parish of Nossa Senhora da Saúde, and the Bahia Institute of Artistic and Cultural Heritage (Ipac), all of whom share responsibility for maintaining the property. The Public Prosecutor's Office is attempting to establish a Term of Conduct Adjustment (TAC) with these parties to ensure the church's preservation. Should an agreement not be reached, judicial measures could be pursued to enforce conservation efforts.
In response to the inquiry, the Ipac has stated that the Church of Nossa Senhora do Bom Sucesso is officially protected under state legislation. This highlights the importance of legal frameworks in preserving cultural heritage sites and the role of public institutions in ensuring accountability among responsible bodies. The inquiry underscores the ongoing challenges in protecting Brazil's historical sites and the need for collaboration between governmental and religious entities to safeguard these invaluable assets for future generations.