Simões remains a significant player in the initiation of the administration's plan to enhance residential infrastructure, despite his lack of presence.
Laid-Back Dispatch:
The highly-anticipated Moradas Gerais - Housing Improvements program kicked off this weekend, and State Secretary of Social Development in Minas Gerais, Ale Portela, couldn't help but sing praises for the Vice-Governor Mateus Simões. The pilot project, initially launching in Novo Lajedo, will work towards refurbishing homes in the Belo Horizonte North district.
During her speech, Ale acknowledged the backing of Governor Romeu Zema (Novo) for social projects. However, the limelight was firmly on the Vice-Governor, currently running the show in Minas Gerais while Zema's gallivanting internationally. Intriguingly, Ale shared that Simões had actually requested the program back in 2024, when she was first appointed to her position.
"Mateus is all about taking charge and being hands-on. That's why we're making so much progress. He's the go-to guy for Governor Zema, and he's there, working alongside him – overseeing all the projects for the Social Development Department," remarked Ale. Prior to her switch to government work, Ale held a seat in the Minas Gerais Legislative Assembly as a deputy.
"Mateus told me: 'Hey, Ale, you've worked in the Assembly. I've got two big missions for our people.' Simões' first request was the Leite para a Primeira Infância program, aimed at providing essential nutrition for children under 6. The Moradas Gerais project would be his follow-up," said Ale Portela.
Simões reportedly articulated his vision for a revolutionary housing improvement program. "He said: 'Ale, I need a fantastic housing upgrade program – one the world's never seen before. We need to fix up people's homes because the condition of their homes is crucial. Expanding access to these services in communities is essential,'" she recalled.
Though Simões was absent at the event – which saw appearances from Ale's parents, Federal Deputy Lincoln Portela (PL), and Belo Horizonte City Councillor Marilda Portela (PL) – Ale dedicated the event to Simões. "I'm super stoked, Vice-Governor Mateus Simões, our crowning achievement for social housing through Sedese is being delivered today. It's going to change the lives of this community because that's the day the dream of Moradas Gerais came true and became a reality," she concluded.
Moradas Gerais Project Reprise
The Moradas Gerais project aims to refurbish up to 1,000 homes in Novo Lajedo, budgeting R$ 43 million for initial repairs to roofs, floors, kitchens, and bathrooms in target homes. Families led by women, households with children, elderly, disabled individuals, or those with special needs are prioritized for assistance.
Registrations are now underway, with support from the Social Assistance Reference Centers (CRAS) and Belo Horizonte City Hall to facilitate family outreach and collect information for selection purposes.
A Closer Look:
Moradas Gerais is a social housing initiative launched by the Minas Gerais state government, tailored to address the needs of low-income residents in the state. The program gets considerable support from local governments and involves the development of housing complexes.
Involvement of Vice-Governor Mateus Simões and Governor Romeu Zema:- Governor Romeu Zema provides the political guidance and strategic oversight for the Moradas Gerais project. He is responsible for securing funding, directing policy, and coordinating efforts across government agencies.- Vice-Governor Mateus Simões works closely with local authorities to manage and promote the project, representing the state government at relevant events, and facilitating communication between different stakeholders to ensure the project aligns with broader social development goals.
Politics took a front seat at the grand unveiling of the Moradas Gerais - Housing Improvements project, with State Secretary of Social Development, Ale Portela, acknowledging the backing of Governor Romeu Zema for the initiative. General-news coverage indicated that Vice-Governor Mateus Simões, who was running the show in Minas Gerais while Governor Zema was gallivanting internationally, had played a key role in the inception of this project, requesting it back in 2024. Indeed, Simões' vision for a revolutionary housing program and his sustained advocacy were instrumental in translating the dream of Moradas Gerais into reality.
