**Himaal Ishaq** ,**Maymuna Shidane, Samir Davis**
<aside> ℹ️ Porto Alegre is facing a profound socio-economic plight. There is a large informal workforce - particularly among low-income residents and the youth aged 15-30, who remain trapped in unstable, low paying jobs without labour rights and social security. Because they operate outside the formal economy, it becomes challenging for them to be trained and utilized to improve city projects. This restricts progress on improving public infrastructure projects which are eagerly awaited as climate-related disasters like floods become more frequent. This disengagement between the need for strong infrastructure and untapped labour potential is threatening Porto Alegre’s progression towards its sustainability goals. Informal workers lack pathways to steady livelihoods, while local residents are facing the brunt of faulty infrastructure that limit their access to bike paths, motorways, etc. Meanwhile, the local government is faced with concerns regarding deteriorating residential settlements in flood-prone areas and their limited capacity to maintain and improve public infrastructure.
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Our proposed solution is to establish inclusive government-supported training programs for youth currently trapped in informal work. These programs will focus on developing practical skills in climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable urban services - all of which are essential to Porto Alegre’s pressing needs. By integrating young workers into the formal labour force, this city can reduce unemployment, improve labour protection, and build capacity for essential public projects. This approach is financially feasible through partnerships with the local government and private organizations such as PAC, socially admissible because it empowers marginalized communities, and environmentally important as it supports Porto Alegre’s climate resolution efforts by developing a skilled green workforce. To directly address the needs of significant stakeholders, this solution offers informal workers a stable livelihood, and worker benefits like maternity leave and sick pay. Residents benefit from improved public services, while the local government reinforces its ability to meet its sustainability goals.
We acknowledge that we are not from Porto Alegre, and neccessarily, we are incapable of fully understanding all the intricacies behind the problems that they face. Our solution is based on what we’ve researched and our attempts to bridge that gap. This has been done through gathering stats, case studies, and the belief that there’s real potential in connecting local talent with the city’s infrastructure needs. But we also know our assumptions can miss the mark. That is way we intentionally placed an emphasis on the first phase of the planning process to be on listening: working with local organizations, talking directly to residents, and adjusting based on what they actually need and want. We’re approaching this with an iterative mindset, and are open to making the necessary changes to enhance the effectiveness of our programs.
We propose the creation of inclusive, government supported training projects that equip youth in the informal sector with skills in climate-resilient construction and green infrastructure. We propose investing in education and joining arm-to-arm with members of the community to bridge the social and educational disparity that threatens to divide the society. This would be feasible for the local government to support as this is a project that directly supports job creation, economic development, tax revenue, etc. A more productive job sector dedicated to public projects also increases public satisfaction which would be valuable to the municipality. To approach this, the municipal government and infrastructure departments would be sent proposals. Proposals would outline the benefits of this project and the importance of focusing on the need to have skilled workers focused on infrastructural projects. In fact, according to a new econometric analysis of regional and municipal data from Brazil, investment in transport infrastructure is likely to yield better results than investment in communications or energy. This could prove an important incentive for the federal government to be able to provide funds to the municipality if need be. Furthermore, urban development schemes such as Programa de Aceleracao do Crescimento (PAC) could be targeted to raise funds for this project or appeal to the local government to do the same. This technically feasible and financially viable proposal is key to addressing the needs of the stakeholders who take up valuable positions in the Porto Alegre society.
<aside> ℹ️ https://www.brazil4africa.org/infrastructure-and-its-role-in-brazils-development-process/
by Edmund Amann, Werner Baer, Tom Trebat and Juan M. Villa.
https://www.gov.br/casacivil/pt-br/novopac/conheca-o-programa
https://www.wiego.org/informal-economy/faqs/
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