The housing project named Forte do Rio Negro in São Mateus, located in the East Zone of São Paulo, has been halted for more than a year following the contractor entering bankruptcy proceedings. Initially slated for completion by early 2024, the project has faced numerous delays and has cost the city of São Paulo roughly R$ 104 million thus far. Despite the significant investment, a date for the project's inauguration remains undetermined, causing considerable frustration among potential residents.

Currently, the development is designed to include six residential towers on Avenida Ragueb Chohfi, with a total of 600 units, each measuring up to 50 square meters. The residential units are intended to provide affordable housing, yet with construction stalled, most of the future occupants are stuck waiting. Meanwhile, the city government is providing a monthly rental assistance of R$ 600 to help 480 families impacted by the delays. However, this amount is widely considered inadequate for renting apartments in the area, reflecting the challenges surrounding housing affordability in São Paulo.

This situation not only highlights the issues related to the management and execution of public housing projects but also raises concerns about the effectiveness of the assistance provided to those in urgent need. The ongoing delays and financial strain emphasize the broader challenges faced by municipal leaders in addressing the housing crisis, particularly under the administration of Ricardo Nunes, who has made housing development a key focus of his administration's policy agenda through the Pode Entrar program.