Experiences and perceptions of the resetters at the Sobradinho dam, in Bahia: social and environmental aspects in (re)construction

Abstract

This study analyzed the changes that occurred in the lives of riverside residents resettled in the regions affected by the construction of the Sobradinho Dam. A universe of socio-environmental transformations and material and immaterial losses that communities suffered over time were observed, in particular, the city of Sobradinho and the village of Brejo de Dentro, municipality of Sento Sé. The land flooding process for the formation of the lake substantially modified the ways of life of local populations, their labor, socio-cultural and environmental dynamics. With the objective of describing and analyzing these impacts, the collection of data referring to the qualitative research took place through semi-structured interviews and field observation, associated with documental analysis. We defined the two aforementioned communities, on the banks of the São Francisco River, as an empirical perspective. For this purpose, we experienced the reality of those interviewed in the communities, following the routine of the riverside people and gathering important data for the defense of the proposed ideas, namely: the lives of residents of northern Bahia were greatly affected by the construction of Lake Sobradinho and the power public did not carry out the public policies to help the affected families.