Construction of Fishermen's Support Center Advances in Flexais

Shellfish gatherers will also have a dedicated space within the facility, which will bring together the region's fishing activities
 
Aiming to strengthen the local economy and provide better working conditions for fishermen and shellfish gatherers in Flexais, construction of the Fishermen's Support Center is underway. The initiative recognizes the importance of fishing in the region and is part of the set of reparative measures established in agreements between authorities and Braskem.  

The project, aimed at improving facilities and working conditions, was developed with input from fishermen and shellfish gatherers who work in the area. Besides a dedicated space for shellfish gatherers, the center will include a deck and an area for boat maintenance. The maintenance area and storage space will allow fishermen to safely store their equipment, while shellfish gatherers will have a proper place to process and sell sururu (a type of mussel). A fish scale will also be available, and all water used to clean fish and shellfish will be directed to BRK's sewage system, preventing waste from being discharged into Mundaú Lagoon.

For Mauro Pedro dos Santos, president of the Z4 fishermen's colony in the area, the Center will make a big difference in workers' daily lives. "I hope we'll finally have a place to take care of our equipment, bathe in the lagoon, fish, and sell our products right there," he said. "If it turns out the way they explained, it's going to look even better than the Jaraguá Market, and it'll be our own customers spreading the word.  Word of mouth will turn Flexais into a tourist spot," the fisherman added.

The project also takes the region's history of heavy rains into account, and the structure is being built with elevated ground levels to prevent possible flooding. The work, which involves about 30 workers, is currently in the foundation stage and is expected to be completed by January 2026. The Fishermen's and Shellfish Gatherers' Support Center is part of the "Economy and Work" axis of the Flexais Project, which includes several measures to boost the region's economic development. Flexais' Urban Integration and Development Project is the result of the Agreement signed in October 2022 by the Municipality of Maceió, the Federal Public Ministry, the Public Ministry of the State of Alagoas, the Federal Public Defender's Office, and Braskem. Of the 23 planned initiatives to reduce socioeconomic isolation and boost the local economy, 16 have already been implemented, with the remaining projects in progress.

Completed facilities

This year, the Municipality of Maceió received an 800 m² daycare school for up to 120 children and a 390 m² Primary Health Unit (UBS), which, in addition to basic facilities, offers dedicated rooms for dentistry and parasitology testing. Other ongoing initiatives include the construction of a Commercial Center, with a marketplace and 10 stalls for local entrepreneurs, as well as improvements to community lighting and accessibility. Plans are also underway to renovate Nossa Senhora da Conceição Square, which will feature a new community space and a traffic roundabout. Alongside ongoing construction, various measures are being implemented, including Youth Qualification Programs, urban cleaning, pest control, surveillance, a dedicated and free bus route for Flexais residents, school transportation, and psychological support services. Security cameras have been installed in the area, and the Flexal Space has a new location on Marquês de Abrantes Street.