In March 2021, about four thousand residents of the Aurizona district in the city of Godofredo Viana, Maranhão state, had their water supply interrupted due to the break of a dam of the Canadian group Equinox Gold, one of the biggest of its kind in the world.
Technical reports presented by the Movement of People Affected by Dams (MAB) point out metal contamination with toxic potential in the water of Aurizona. After intense protests, the court ordered the Canadian company to provide drinking water until the full reestablishment of the water supply. For now, residents are receiving water in gallons or water trucks.
"Our lake was not only a water source but also a source of food since many mothers used to fish there. When the dam broke, it affected the water supply and also men’s canoes, boats, motorboats, and nets, which were gone. Due to this burst, family men had no means of work", says the Aurizona resident Daiane Lima.
Also on What's Happening in Brazil: The fashion industry has serious consequences for the environment, from the production of raw materials to the disposal of clothes. Thinking about reducing these impacts, small businesses in Ceará bet on the resale of used parts and the reuse of material that would go to the garbage.
All What's Happening in Brazil episodes are available at Brasil de Fato's YouTube channel, where you'll also find a special English-content playlist. Partners who wish to include a longer version of the show in their schedule may contact our international team at [email protected].
For more news about Brazil and our region, visit our website.
