Investments in Brazil’s water security likely to reach $6.72 billion
Brazil’s Ministry of Regional Development forecast investments adding up to $6.72 billion in 114 projects to expand water supplies in the country. Of the total amount of initiatives, 66 are to take place in the Northeast. They come as part of the National Plan for Water Security, being devised by the National Water Agency (ANA), and should be launched in April.
The plan is said to focus on state and federal interventions. Major dams, pipeline networks, canals, and integration axes are being mapped out. Ongoing enterprises will be prioritized.
“The main challenge will be finding alternate ways to ensure water security, regarding both the quantity and the quality of the water provided,” said Minister Gustavo Canuto.
Among the top priorities is the São Francisco River Integration Project. The East Axis was delivered in March 2017 and serves around 1 million people across 35 cities in the states of Paraíba and Pernambuco. In the North Axis, the structures required to let the water through should be concluded later this year.
Seawater
Using seawater as a resource is also reported to be under consideration by the ministry. Coastal cities may be fed with desalinated seawater, sparing water springs.
The ministry stated that the desalination plant is being installed just outside Fortaleza, capital of Ceará state.
