SP launches pre-qual for US$415mn waterworks program

São Paulo state (SP) governor Geraldo Alckmin has authorized state water utility Sabesp to begin pre-qualification for the 1.05bn-real (US$415mn) Baixada Santista metropolitan region environmental recovery program, the state government said. The four-year program aims to raise sewage collection in the region to 95% from the current 53%. Municipalities that will benefit are Santos, Guarujá, Praia Grande, Mongaguá, Itanhaém, Peruíbe, Bertioga, São Vicente and Cubatão. Of the sewage collected, all will be treated, said Alckmin. Bidding rules to pre-qualify for the first group of works that total 777mn reais were published Friday (Apr.29) in the state's official gazette, with the goal of signing contracts in September. The program will directly benefit more than 2.5 million residents with sewerage works, including seven large-scale treatment plants, 1,100km of collection network and 125,000 residential connections. The program also includes 274mn reais for water treatment, which will be put out to tender at a later date. The Japan Bank for International Cooperation will provide 572mn reais for the program.