Residents of Salto, Brazil, have been paying urban property tax for over 40 years yet lack basic infrastructure such as asphalt and sewage, impacting their daily lives.
In the neighborhoods of Arquidiocesano, Maracajás, and Iracema in Salto, São Paulo, residents are faced with a dire situation as they pay urban property tax without receiving essential services like asphalt and sewage systems for over four decades. This lack of infrastructure has led to severe inconveniences, particularly when it rains, as dirt roads become impassable, hindering access for public transport and emergency services such as ambulances.
Local resident Elaine Cristina has shared her frustrations regarding the difficulties faced daily by those living in these areas. The absence of proper roadways not only damages vehicles but also prevents buses from reaching the neighborhoods effectively. This situation has reached a point where even local transport services have refused to operate, as evidenced by the experience of one resident whose daughter's company van denied service due to the poor road conditions.
The failure of the local government to upgrade and maintain necessary infrastructure raises important questions about urban management and residents' rights to basic services they have already been taxed for. The ongoing challenges highlight the urgent need for action to improve living conditions in Salto's neighborhoods, particularly as residents report that accessing crucial services, like hospitals, becomes increasingly difficult because of the inadequate infrastructure.
