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Edição 30

After an extensive programme, which included the celebration of a mass and a country music show, as well as fireworks, the totally restored Iguaçu Palace was handed over to the present governor in the first minute of December 19, the 157th anniversary of Parana’s emancipation.  The work took three years and consumed R$31 million (the original proposal had indicated that it would cost R$ 23 million).

According to Governor Pessuti, there are still some details to be finalised, such as the delivery of all the furniture.  “The most important thing is that we have recovered a historic site; we did not let the work deteriorate. We had many unexpected problems, such as this whole week of rain, but thanks to the efforts of all involved, we adopted double shifts so that the building would be delivered on schedule”.

The Public Works Secretary, Julio Cesar de Araujo, said that the restoration had required a great effort from everyone.  “This project was a challenge because since its construction in 1954, the building had never undergone such an extensive remodelling. We found problems in several points, such as the electrical wiring, but now the palace is fit to receive the Executive Branch”.

Commemoration

The ceremony that culminated with the unveiling of the building’s facade, which was covered with a large canvas of two thousand square metres, began on Saturday afternoon.  At 5pm, a Christmas Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Don Moacyr Vitti, which was followed by a show by Father Reginaldo Manzoti. Then the stage was occupied by the duos William and Renan, and Chitaozinho and Xororo, in succession.

Among the authorities present at the Mass were the Planning Minister Paulo Bernardo, Senator-elect Gleisi Hoffmann (PT), as well as Governor Pessuti, the First Lady Regina Pessuti and former governor Emilio Gomez, who presided over Paraná between 1973 and 1975 and commented, “I know how bad the palace was before”.

When asked about the choice of country-style music for the inauguration of the palace, the Culture Secretary, Vera Mussi, said the decision was opportune because the genre is linked to the roots of Paraná.

Authorities

The Chairman of Curitiba’s Municipal Council Chamber, João Claudio Derosso, said the renovation of the Iguaçu Palace was “an important administrative act of government”.  He said that the building is historic and deserved the attention that it was given. “It will certainly stand out for a long time; it is a building that tells the story of the people of Paraná”.

During the ceremony, the Director of The Post Office, Itamar Ribeiro, launched postage stamps commemorating the “new” Iguaçu Palace. “I have no doubt that decisions important to Paraná have been made in this palace.  We hope that they will now continue to be made”, he said.

The President of the Legislative Assembly, Nelson Justus, said he had followed the work closely. “It is a marvellous project that only came about through the efforts of Governor Orlando Pessuti.  This building is a landmark, an object of pride for the people of Paraná, and gives Centro Cívico a new look”, he concluded.

{Photo by Arnaldo Alves}