Sanepar seeks funds for new waterworks program

Brazil's Parana state water utility Sanepar has submitted a new waterworks program proposal to the Japan Bank for International Cooperation for possible financing, the state government reported. A Sanepar spokesperson told BNamericas the program - tentatively dubbed "Parana Ambiental" - is the first, large-scale sector related initiative to be launched by the new state administration, with the aim of carrying out needed works not included in programs launched by previous state governments. The spokesperson highlighted the fact that although sewage treatment may reach 100% (of all sewage collected), only 45% is collected. The cost of the needed works is estimated at 170mn reais (US$59.3mn). Sanepar provides water and sewerage service to more than 7.5 million residents in 342 of Parana's 399 municipalities under long-term concession agreements.