Brazil seeking private sector partners for US$140mn Piauí irrigation project

The Brazilian government has announced a roadshow to attract private sector interest in the concession for the second phase of the Tabuleiros Litorâneos irrigation project.

"The investment in irrigation infrastructure for phase 2 amounts to 853mn reais (US$140mn). The proposal consists of granting the right to use an area of 9,847 hectares, of which 6,017 hectares are irrigable, for a period of 35 years," the regional development ministry said in a statement. 

The project includes the completion of irrigation infrastructure, the occupation of areas for agricultural production and the system's maintenance and operation by the future concessionaire, it added.

Meetings with interested parties are scheduled for February 7-14, with plans to publish the contract notice in the second half of 2025. The auction will follow approval from the country's audit court TCU.

"The objective of the roadshow is to present the project to potential investors and companies interested in the concession. Individual meetings will be held, lasting 60 minutes, to present information and address any questions about the project. The meetings may occur via videoconference or in person at the ministry of integration and regional development in Brasília," the ministry stated.

The Tabuleiros Litorâneos do Piauí project is situated in the municipalities of Bom Princípio do Piauí, Buritis dos Lopes and Parnaíba, on the eastern side of the Parnaíba river, approximately 300km from state capital Teresina.

The federal government has already invested in significant portions of the project infrastructure, including the intake and pumping system, the main canal and the power supply.

The first stage of the project covers 2,443ha, with 2,000ha already in operation. Farmers in the area produce crops such as acerola, coconut, banana and cashew.

Feasibility studies, the concession model, and related documents are accessible here.