Sustainability issues and the expansion of Teresina, Piaui , Brazil

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to study the urban transformation process that is happening in Teresina, State of Piaui in Northeast Brazil. Design/methodology/approach - Secondary data were used, based on the research plan's four parts: the city history during the colonial period; the territorial landmarks and policy implemented; the population growth; and the housing programs developed by governmental agencies. Findings - The analysis showed that the city became impoverished and the environmental impacts are connected to the lack of any sanitation infrastructure, and to the floods invading the lowlands of the city, bringing diseases to the population. Poor quality of life of the poverty-stricken population in those conditions suggests that the city is rather unsustainable. Originality/value - The paper presents an understanding of the peculiar features of a Northeast Brazilian city that needs to improve the urban environment, specifically the area located on low lands of about 70 meters above sea-level, where the rivers in flow cover an extensive part of the urban network.