State Secretariat says that part of the gas meter land still belongs to the owner: the concessionaire

The State Secretariat for Energy and Maritime Economy published, last Monday (09), a notice that worried the Flamengo fans. After all, the Agency Rio de Janeiro's Energy and Basic Sanitation Regulator (Agenersa) determined that part of the Gasologista land, where Mengão intends to build the stadium, belongs to Naturgy, the former Companhia Estadual de Gás (CEG).

Fabrício Chicca, architect and specialist in stadium construction, summarized the situation in a post on social media. “For those who follow me, I already knew that there would be this problem to be solved. Naturgy occupies approximately 13 thousand m² of land, is an essential public service concessionaire, has a contract in force until 2027, renewable. The notice states that it will be Flamengo's cost to remove the gas pipe. Everything that is there is public information. That's it, can it be resolved? From the. You have to sit at the table, put your hand in your pocket, negotiate and resolve. This cost was not in the spreadsheet”, he wrote.

“This type of problem is common, has a cost and is part of the risk minimization exercise. Namely, there will be other problems that must appear in the process. Minimizing risk was never about criticizing the board, or being pessimistic, it is a normal, technical process, which fundamentally aims to preserve Flamengo. Let it be done now with more attention by the new management”, added Chicca.

What does the company do?

Naturgy controls the supply to part of Rio de Janeiro through an active structure on the Gasometer site. The City Hall's expropriation did not include this area, and a sports facility can only proceed with a resolution.

Therefore, for the construction of the stadium to progress, it is necessary to remove Naturgy material, such as gas pipes that are below ground. Therefore, the costs are in the range of R$100 million to R$250 million. Recently, on social media, the mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes, reassured Flamengo. However, so far, no action has taken place.

What did the Mayor of Rio say?

“They are making me defend Flamengo more than I do I would like: it to be clear that this is not the cost of this transfer and that, when it happens, it will be the responsibility of Rio City Hall, which knows that this structure cannot be in an area that already receives so many residential buildings. It's been in our plans for a long time! Flamengo will have its new stadium there in Gasometer with all the quality and security that the region demands and deserves. Period”, he said.