Sertão Gorutubano: memórias da desapropriação das terras para a construção da barragem do Bico da Pedra, no distrito de São José do Gorutuba (1970-1980)

Abstract

This work seeks to analyze the process of expropriation of the lands of São José do Gorutuba, which occurred during the construction project of the Bico da Pedra dam for irrigation in Gorutuba. To do this, we analyzed the memoirs of expropriated residents, adopting the methodology of oral history. The hypothesis we raise is that the press conveyed a discourse legitimizing progress, defending the population's departure from their homes and rural properties. In total, 535 families were removed from the land they lived on. The community of São José do Gorutuba also suffered from the demolition of all residences and buildings, where shops, notary offices, etc. operated. We used the Oral History methodology, supplementing the information collected with secondary sources, such as photographs and newspapers that carried the news regarding the implementation of the project. We discuss the countless cultural relationships, of identity, due to the construction of a political project represented, ironically, by a concrete and steel structure, overlapping the material culture of the place. We address the memories of communities that were taken up by former residents and their families in their discursive constructions, how these memories have a new meaning. Because over time, aspects of collective memory still remain and cause ruptures in local collective memory.