Urbanization of Slums in Focus

Notes on the Process of Implementing the Growth Acceleration Program in João Pessoa/PB

Abstract

This article seeks to understand an experience of implementing the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC), in the Urbanization of Precarious Settlements (PAC-UAP) action in the city of João Pessoa / PB. Then, we start from a literature review on public policies and housing policy for precarious settlements, which is essential for understanding the theoretical and empirical elements that illuminate the understanding of the PAC-UAP experience in João Pessoa. As a methodological procedure, a bibliographic review, documentary analysis of the contracts signed by the municipality under the PAC-UAP, interviews with state agents and field visits to the settlements were carried out. It is assumed that the experience of implementing PAC-UAP, particularly in relation to the longevity of projects, reflects the complexity inherent both in the multisectoral and integrated character of urbanization actions in precarious settlements and in the interactive dynamics established between state actors and non-state in the context of public policy implementation. For the analysis of the PAC-UAP experience, qualitative research was carried out. Regarding the objectives, the research can be considered both exploratory and descriptive. With regard to data collection, the following techniques were selected: (a) bibliographic research; (b) documentary research; (c) interview; and (d) field visits to precarious settlements contemplated under the PAC-UAP. Thus, the examination of the PAC-UAP in João Pessoa/PB indicates the existence of great difficulties in shaping solutions that respond, jointly, to the diversity of actors (and their interests) and territories (and their specificities), essential elements in complex interventions, commonly required in precarious settlements.