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Politics

Lula inaugurates another stage of São Francisco river transfer

The project should benefit 39 municipalities and 680 thousand people
Pedro Peduzzi
Published on 30/08/2024 - 13:56
Brasília
Riachão do Poço (PB), 30.08.2024 - Presidente da República, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, durante cerimônia de inauguração do Lote 2 da Vertente Litorânea Paraibana – Canal Acauã-Araçagi. Foto: Ricardo Stuckert/PR
© Ricardo Stuckert/PR

The inauguration of another stage of the São Francisco river transfer is expected to guarantee the water sustainability of 39 more municipalities in Paraíba state, reaching some 680 thousand people this Friday (Aug. 30). It should also guarantee irrigation for over 16 thousand hectares and the development of family and business farming, as well as fish and shrimp farming in ponds.

“I want you to know how happy I am to be able to come here to press a button and see the water that will save so many lives, to see the water that will help so many small rural producers. This water will be good for children, women, and men to drink. It will be good for our chickens, pigs, cows, and donkeys. This water means life for human beings and animals,” said President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as he opened the valve that released the water from the canal linking canals Acauã a Araçagi.

The project

The canal will serve the middle of Paraíba’s agreste region on a regular basis, also during the dry season and. According to the president’s office, it comprises 17 segments of open canals, adding up to 130.6km. After Friday, 24 municipalities in urban and rural areas as well as the basins of the Surrão, Ingá, Mogeiro, Curimataú, Gurinhém, São Salvador and Una rivers will be served.