Approximately 30 protesters marched in opposition to their seemingly imminent eviction causing at least five kilometres of gridlock in the neighbourhood of Barra da Tijuca.

More than 90 per cent of the residents have already departed after accepting alternative housing or compensation offers, with one former resident said to have received BRL R$2.7 million (£579,000/$857,000/€788,000).

But around 50 families are refusing to stand down, despite increasingly attractive compensation offers, growing pressure and irregular access to water and electricity supplies.

Rio's City Hall insists an access road to the Olympic Park will be built on the Vila Autodromo land but residents are sceptical, believing high-end apartments will be constructed after the Games have come to a close.

"City Hall has never had any patience to properly negotiate with us," Inalva Brito, who has lived in Vila Autodromo for 40 years, told Reuters.

"Now it's time to shout about our pain, our exclusion."

Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes has approved measures that could force the remaining residents to leave Vila Autodromo ©Getty Images




Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes has approved measures that could force the remaining residents to leave the favela.

They would still be compensated, but without the leverage afforded by agreements reached before construction.

"We have to challenge the expropriating decree," added Brito.

"This is not in society's interest.

"It is not legal.

"It will change our lives, but for whose sake.

"The Olympics is spitting in our face."

The build-up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil was marred by protests throughout the country, with the associated competition hosting costs the foremost cause for the unrest.

Meanwhile in February, campaigners angry at the construction of the golf course being built for next year's Olympics, which they claim will damage the environment, confronted International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Thomas Bach.

The leader of the small group of protesters burst into the lobby of the five-star hotel opposite Copacabana beach where the IOC Executive Board were wrapping up a three-day meeting.

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