The paving of Estrada da Purificação, which connects the Antônio Pereira district to the Morro de São João neighborhood, in Ouro Preto, began this Friday (13/May). During the ceremony that marked the beginning of the construction work, Mayors Ângelo Oswaldo (Ouro Preto) and Juliano Duarte (Mariana) as well as Samarco's Institutional Relations coordinator, Rodolpho Samorini, among other authorities, unveiled the inauguration plaque. The work will be carried out by Samarco.  

The company previously performed a feasibility study so that the design does not modify the original layout and local characteristics, in order to enhance and preserve the region's historical and environmental heritage. Approximately 7.5 km will be paved. The works are expected to be completed in the second half of 2023. 

“We have carefully prepared a plan so that the works are carried out efficiently and finished on schedule. This road benefits the local population, as well as visitors and tourists, as it provides better logistical conditions for linking the Antônio Pereira district to the municipality. It also allows a better integration of the region's culture, ecology and historical heritage. Now, Estrada da Purificação will be more than a quick connection between Antônio Pereira and the municipal headquarters. It will also be a tourist attraction with a landscape that deserves to be seen by more people”, highlighted the coordinator of Institutional Relations at Samarco, Rodolpho Samorini.   

The paving is one of the preconditions of the Corrective Operation License (LOC), received by Samarco from the environmental authorities, for the resumption of its operations. The stretch is located on the border between the municipalities of Ouro Preto and Mariana.  

Local stimulus 

For the public administrator and community leader of the Antônio Pereira district, Marlete Deusdethe Barros, the paving of the road will bring benefits such as the promotion of the economy and tourism in the district. “This work is an old demand of our community. It is a historic road, many mule caravans passed through here. A paved road will facilitate our daily commute, stimulate the local economy, tourism and, above all, shorten the distance between the district and the capital of Ouro Preto, enhancing our feeling of belonging to the municipality. It will be a new phase for the community, it is gratifying,” she said. 

The mayor of Ouro Preto, Ângelo Oswaldo, highlighted the importance of the road for the community, long awaited by the population. “This road means history. There are 300 years of fraternity, but also of barriers, due to the distance to travel. With this work, we will establish a direct connection from the district to the municipal seat, facilitating access to health services, among many other benefits for the region”, he said.  

For Juliano Duarte, mayor of Mariana, the paving of the Purificação road, carried out in compliance with a requirement for the operational resumption of Samarco, will be an additional access for the community and companies that operate in the region. “This is a fair demand by the residents of Antônio Pereira. The road will facilitate urban mobility and stimulate local tourism not only in Ouro Preto, but also in Mariana. It is a gain for both municipalities”, he concluded. 

In addition to the presence of community leaders from the communities of Antônio Pereira, Nova Alvorada and Campo Grande, the event was attended by councilors, directors of the parks of Andorinhas, Morro do Santana and São Sebastião, among other authorities.