Lighting up Lapa

As edgy as it is lively, the downtown party district of Lapa is to be given a much-needed cash injection to improve security for visitors and residents alike. Rio City Council has announced plans to clean up the neighbourhood, which has become a notorious spot for theives and pickpockets.

Almost everybody has a Lapa horror story to tell, and the general feeling in the area has been that, while recent years have seen the area become a nightlife hub, security has not been sufficiently stepped up to protect the hordes of revellers that flock here with cash in their pockets.

The Lapa Legal project is being heralded as a major step forward in addressing not just the concerns of pary goers, but also those who live in the area.

Controversially, the council proposes to spend nearly R$4 million on illuminating the iconic `Arcos da Lapa’ (Lapa Arches), beneath which much of the weekend street party action takes place. The darker reaches of the arches have become a prime mugging spot, and throwing a little light on the matter promises to take at leat a little of the danger away. The move has not been entirely welcomed, however, due to the sheer amount of money that has been earmarked.

Elsewhere, brighter streetlamps, and more of them, are to be installed in the neighborhood, and military police and city guards are to patrol the area 24/7.

Limitations are also being placed on noise pollution in the area, at the request of residents, which could have a marked effect on the liveliness of Lapa’s (in)famous street parties, which often feature impromptu live music performances on the street.

The proposals are to be put into practice over the coming months, and it will be interesting to see how the reforms will impact on this unique neighbourhood.