Brazil’s Bahia state unveils dam construction plans

Brazil's Bahia state unveiled a plan to build two dams with total investments of 284 million reais (US$51mn).

The projects will receive support from the federal government, through the integration and regional development ministry. 

“We have just signed an agreement with the federal government for the execution and implementation of the dams. The one in Morrinhos and the one in Rio da Caixa, which will cover at least 40 municipalities with water production and consumption," said state governor Jerônimo Rodrigues in a statement.

The dams will benefit an estimated 200,000 people. 

The Rio da Caixa dam, to be built in the Paramirim river basin, will see investments of 148mn reais and reinforce the integrated water supply system from the Zabumbão dam.

The Morrinhos dam, to be constructed in the Presidente Jânio Quadros and Piripá municipalites, will receive 136mn reais in investments.

Bahia and other states in the northeast region tend to suffer from prolonged periods of drought. 

The federal government is stepping up support for projects that mitigate climate change impacts, as the country has seen an increase in the occurrence of such events, which include drought in some regions and strong rains and floods in others.

“While water infrastructure is being expanded to guarantee water security for all people, we need to continually support people who, at some point during the year, are impacted by very severe [water] shortages," said Waldez Góes, integration and regional development minister.