Community Relocation · NOVA PONTE HYDROPOWER PLANT

The original city of Nova Ponte had to be relocated due to the construction of the dam, whose reservoir submerged not only the town site site with the homes of its with its 5 thousand residents, but rural areas in 8 municipalities as well, affecting a total of 1,450 properties. An Environmental Control Plan was created to minimize the resulting socio-environmental impact.

Cemig’s Experience in the Relocation of Towns – the Case of Nova Ponte Power Plant

Special relevance was given to the socio-economic-cultural issues in the environmental studies conducted prior to the construction of the Nova Ponte Plant.

The relocation of the original town was carefully planned so as to reduce the socio-environmental impacts of the new town and mitigate the effects on the community and in the region.

The necessary relocation related decisions were taken after having been discussed with and agreed to by the community. An extensive debate on the new town’s site, architectural designs and urbanization was held prior to implementation. In doing so, Cemig demonstrated its respect for the community’s ideas and opinions in deciding upon the characteristics of the new town.

Others aspects given due consideration were the guarantee of a continuity in the town’s historical heritage preservation and development. Historically, culturally and emotionally important buildings were relocated to and even rebuilt, when necessary, in the new town (Fazenda Cachoeira and Chalezinho).

The New Town

Constructed 3 kilometers from the original site, the new town was planned to accommodate 9 thousand inhabitants, and featured an already complete infrastructure including: water treatment facilities, electricity, telephone service, sewage treatment facilities, paved streets and a monitored landfill site for garbage disposal.

The Environmental Control Plan

Of note among the socio-economic and environmental actions undertaken during the implementation of the Nova Ponte Hydropower Plant project are the following:

Archaeological Surveys and Rescues

• Historical Heritage Project
• Relocation of Mortal Remains
• Social Assistance Program
• Program for the Recovery of Economical Activities in partnership with INDI
• Rural Population Assistance Program
• Nova Ponte Urban Infrastructure Implementation Program
• Rebuilding Historical Buildings
• Relocating Regional Infrastructure

Nova Ponte may be considered as one of the best Brazilian towns to live in nowadays. It boasts a complete infrastructure, modern urbanization, quality services and resources.