Sanitary and Environmental Diagnosis as a Tool for Municipal Managers: Vista Alegre do Juá Occupation, Santarém, Amazônia, Brazil

Abstract

Purpose: This work aimed to carry out a survey of the socio-environmental condition of Ocupação Vista Alegre do Juá, in Santarém-Pará, regarding water, sewage treatment and solid waste, which collected information to prepare the community's Resilient Development Plan.   Method/design/approach: Data collection was carried out with the application of 300 forms, containing 42 semi-structured questions, which were applied on the 29th and 30th of August 2022. The questions asked aimed to characterize the environmental reality of the Ocupação Vista Alegre do Juá, in Santarém- Pará, in relation to the aspects of basic sanitation.   Results and conclusion: Of the total respondents, 58% say they do not have treated water in their homes and 51% of sewage systems in homes are inadequate (for example, black pits and open sewage). Regarding solid waste, 67% say that the presence of garbage on their streets is common, which may be related to the fact that the garbage truck only keeps its route on the main street. Furthermore, 50% of residents report suffering from natural disasters (flash floods, floodings, landslides), attributing the action of these disasters to the absence of local infrastructure.    Research implications: The information presented will serve to support a resilient development plan for the location, with the aim of assisting in the gradual insertion of actions and projects, reducing the existing social disparity, promoting sustainable urban development. Actions must prioritize collective sanitation solutions in which the community itself can contribute to reducing environmental impacts and the health of the population.   Originality/value: This study offers scientific information as a conviction strategy about the results of the need for intersectorality between urban development, environment, habitation, sanitation and health.