Rivers that wash memories: The washerwomen of Vitória da Conquista in the urban expansion process

This article explores the relationship between access to water and memory in the city of Vitória da Conquista, in the state of Bahia, from the perspective of washerwomen who reside in the Conquistinha community and rely on the waters of an urban section along the Verruga River. The advancement of urbanization has made it increasingly difficult for these women to remain in their community due to water scarcity and land valorization. This study examines how public interventions in the urban area of the river have reshaped the connection between the riverside residents and the growing city. Using the oral history method, it analyzes interviews conducted in 2020 with two washerwomen alongside documentary sources. The findings highlight changes in how these women perceive the city and its natural ecosystems, with significant impacts on their daily lives.