In Juiz de Fora, Brazil, Mayor Margarida Salomão has been trying for nearly a year to release R$ 21.6 million approved by the federal government for slope containment works in the city. However, this funding has been held up due to unresolved documentation issues. The local administration also faces increasing pressure as the city is under a state of public calamity following severe storms that resulted in devastating landslides, claiming at least 22 lives and leaving around 40 individuals missing, along with 3,000 people displaced from their homes.

The city's government had initially hoped to begin the first phase of the slope containment project, which involves conducting technical assessments of the areas targeted for the work, in January. This project is critical for mitigating the risks posed by such natural disasters, especially in light of the recent tragic events that have caused widespread destruction and a significant loss of life. The lack of access to these federal resources worsens the city’s vulnerability, highlighting the urgent need for timely bureaucratic processes in disaster management.

As the situation unfolds, there has been a vocal demand for accountability and swift action from local authorities to resolve the documentation issues that are currently delaying the release of this vital funding. The new PAC (Growth Acceleration Program), launched under President Lula, is intended to assist cities like Juiz de Fora in addressing infrastructure challenges, but the effective disbursement of these funds is crucial to support ongoing recovery efforts and prevent future disasters.