Petrolândia: um retrato da memória do submédio do são Francisco (1940-1988)

Abstract

From the second half of the 20th century, Brazil implemented a policy aimed at generating electrical energy, which boosted the construction of large dams in the Northeast region. The Luiz Gonzaga Hydroelectric Plant (UHLG), located in the municipality of Petrolândia, PE, was carried out by the São Francisco Hydroelectric Company (CHESF), resulting in the flooding of the old city by Lake Itaparica and forcing the transfer of its inhabitants to the new city of Petrolândia on March 6, 1988. The population was relocated and compensated by the CHESF, after several demonstrations and the stoppage of the work in 1986, supported by the Union of Rural Workers of Submédio São Francisco, was fundamental in ensuring resettlement and basic infrastructure guarantees for the population affected by the construction of the plant. The theoretical-methodological contribution was based on bibliographical research and interviews, relying on the study of oral history, conceptualizing reflections through memory analysis and valuing the memories and experiences of residents of Petrolândia in Pernambuco, between 1943 and 1988.