North Zone, South Zone, West Zone and… Southwest Zone? Yes, last Tuesday (09), the law creating a new region in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro was sanctioned. But, after all, why was this division made on the map? What are the neighborhoods in this new region? And what does it actually change? We’ll explain here!
Why is there a Southwest Zone?
Although many cariocas were surprised (and a little lost) by the recent change in the map, the creation of the Southwest Zone is not necessarily a new idea.
That’s because, according to the project’s author, city councillor Dr. Gilberto (SDD), the Carioca Parliament passed a law establishing the West Zone in the city in 2021, but left out some neighborhoods in the region.
Thus, according to the councilman, the Southwest Zone meets the long-standing demands of these neighborhoods, in search of their own identity, different from the “root West Zone”, which includes neighborhoods such as Campo Grande and Realengo, for example.
In addition, according to the text of the bill, the aim is to “guide urban expansion and the spatial distribution of the population, in order to guarantee economic and social development and environmental balance“.
Which neighborhoods are in the Southwest Zone?
If the West Zone used to be the largest and most populous region in Rio de Janeiro, that scenario has now changed. That’s because 21 neighborhoods are now part of the city’s Southwest Zone.
They are: Anil, Barra da Tijuca, Camorim, Cidade de Deus, Curicica, Freguesia, Gardenia Azul, Grumari, Itanhangá, Jacarepaguá, Joá, Praça Seca, Pechincha, Rio das Pedras, Recreio dos Bandeirantes, Tanque, Taquara, Vargem Grande, Vargem Pequena and Vila Valqueire.
What changes on the map and in the lives of residents?
The new geographical area, with the 21 neighborhoods included, covers around 200 square kilometers and has a total population of more than one million. However, the creation of the Southwest Zone has left many people apprehensive about possible increases in taxes and other services.
In practice, according to the City Hall, the law does not change the administrative structure. As such, tax rates, public services and taxpayer registrations will remain the same. The IPTU will also not be adjusted.
In addition, all these neighborhoods remain part of Planning Area 4, which already exists in the official division of the city hall. It remains to be seen what the real impact of this division will be.
What do you think of the creation of the Southwest Zone?