Temer unveils $13 million for São Francisco river diversion works

President Michel Temer said his dream in two years of government is to be able to overcome the region's usual water crisis by concluding the diversion of the São Francisco river. The statement was made during a Friday (Nov. 9) visit to the works in two projects linked to the initiative in the northeastern Pernambuco state, during which he announced a total $13 million in investment.

One of the projects is the Jucazinho Dam, under the Accelerated Growth Program (PAC), which should be carried out in two stages and is expected by the Ministry of National Integration to be concluded by June, 2017. The Salgueiro Reservoir, in turn, is 95.6% operational. In a local radio interview, the president said he feels confident about the conclusion of the projects.

“I can almost be sure that the eastern section of the diversion will be inaugurated by February or March, at the latest, and the northern section in the first half-year,” he said.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira