Espirito Santo, Cofiex to discuss Prodesan II

Brazil's Espirito Santo state government and the federal government's external financing commission Cofiex will meet next week to discuss phase two of its water and coastal pollution management project Prodesan, a project official told BNamericas. Cofiex approval is needed to begin formal talks with the World Bank (WB) for possible financing and begin the phase's project development and tender process, explained the official. Informal talks for the US$50mn second phase have proved positive. Meanwhile, Prodesan's first phase met its June 30 completion date, the closure target date agreed to with the Bank in April. Prodesan I cost 150mn reais (currently US$51.6mn) and was partially financed by the WB. The works included 388km of collection network and outlet pipes, 24 lift stations, 33,288 hookups and five treatment stations, which will increase sewerage treatment in state capital Vitoria's greater metropolitan area to 42% from 22%. The state's infrastructure development and transport department, which along with state water utility Cesan and the participating municipalities, is Prodesan's executing agency.