University suffered electricity cuts in 15 buildings due to debt of R$31.8 million; judge ordered immediate reinstatement
The (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro), managed to suspend in court, on the 4thth fair (November 13, 2024), power cuts occurred in 15 buildings at the educational institution due to non-payment of late debts. The concessionaire cut off the university’s electricity on 3th fair (12.nov).
In the decision, judge Alcides Martins, from the (Federal Regional Court of the 2nd Region), determined that the “Light refrain from interrupting the power supply at UFRJ facilities and carry out immediate reconnection at facilities that have suffered a power cut”.
The judge took into consideration the essential nature of the academic and assistance activities offered by UFRJ.
The university’s total debt with Light amounts to R$31.8 million. Refers to invoices due from March to November 2024.
Furthermore, R$3.9 million are unpaid installments of an agreement signed in 2020. Light and the university’s rectory agreed to pay in installments a debt of R$21.3 million at the time. Only R$13 million has been paid so far.
In an open class, with the presence of faculty, students and the education workers’ union, the rector of UFRJ, Roberto Medronho, presented an overview of the university’s strategic positioning in the country’s development, as well as the constant budget cuts of the institution.
“In this building we are in, quality teaching, research and extension are carried out. Portinari graduated here. Oscar Niemeyer graduated here. How can this building be without power?”stated the rector.
He also said that, currently, almost 60% of undergraduate students at UFRJ come from affirmative action – ethnic-racial and socioeconomic quotas. “Many of these students, if UFRJ stops, they won’t be able to graduate”these.
Water cut
The court’s decision does not address the cut in water supply made by the concessionaire Águas do Rio. The interruption in supply affected several parts of the campus, including the restaurant and the student residence.
In a note, UFRJ reported that it was surprised on the 4thth fair due to the cut in the water supply in the Rectory building, in the university town hall facilities, in the university restaurant and in the student residence.
“UFRJ, which was in negotiations with the concessionaire, is looking for ways to restore water supply to the University”he declared.
With information from .
