Brazil is building the largest artificial river in the world: billion-dollar project promises to revolutionize the Northeast and transform the lives of millions of Brazilians

Revealed the billion-dollar mega project to transpose the São Francisco River, which is revolutionizing Brazil's infrastructure and the future of the Brazilian Northeast

The transposition of the São Francisco River is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Brazil, with the aim of alleviating the drought that affects the northeast region. This project, which already extends for 477 km, aims to move the river's waters to areas in need. However, there are plans under study to expand this transposition to more than 10.000 km, making it the largest in the world.

Check the details of this mega project, its challenges and the impact that promises to transform the lives of millions of Brazilians.

Context of the drought in the Brazilian Northeast

The Brazilian northeast faces a history of severe and prolonged droughts. This region, which is home to around 40% of the northeastern population, has an average annual rainfall of less than 800 mm. This scenario makes agricultural and livestock production difficult, leading to food insecurity for many families.

In the last 30 years, the region has experienced around 85 years of scarce or poorly distributed rainfall. This reality directly affects 10 million inhabitants who depend on traditional agriculture and livestock, making them vulnerable to droughts.

The São Francisco River Transposition project that promises to transform the lives of millions of Brazilians

The São Francisco River transposition project was designed by the federal government and coordinated by the Ministry of Regional Development. The initial proposal envisaged the construction of 699 km of concrete canals, covering two major axes: North and East.

The axes were planned to divert the river's waters to the states of Pernambuco, Paraíba, Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte. Additionally, the project includes the construction of nine pumping stations along the route. However, five states were not included in the direct connection to the river, although they are connected by aqueducts.

Project expansion: South and West Axes

After the initial proposal, the idea of ​​adding a southern axis, covering Bahia and Sergipe, and a western axis, in Piauí, emerged. Despite these additions, two states would still be left out of the project: Maranhão and Alagoas, the latter of which already has pipelines that meet its water needs.

With a current budget of more than R$10 billion, the North and East axes aim to direct the river's waters to river basins in areas facing shortages. The project is considered crucial for the water security of more than 20 million people.

Controversies and criticisms: Critics argue that water will be taken from regions with high demand to supply other areas

Although the project has its defenders, there are controversies surrounding the use of the waters of the São Francisco River. Critics argue that water will be taken from regions with high demand to supply other areas, raising concerns about water availability for human and animal use.

Furthermore, there are claims that transposition will mainly benefit agroindustry and shrimp farming. Despite criticism, many consider that the benefits in terms of employment and income outweigh the challenges.

Delays in the project that was simply supposed to be delivered in 2012

Begun in 2007, the original completion of the transposition was scheduled for 2012. However, significant delays pushed this date back to 2022. During this period, the project was reduced to 477 km, removing branches that represented around 68% of the total project.

On February 9, 2022, the federal government announced the completion of significant parts of the transposition, including the North and East axes, in addition to the Agreste branch. The Northern axis, 260 km long, supplies dams and crosses four states, including Pernambuco, Ceará, Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte.

Details of axes and branches

The Eastern axis, 217 km long, starts at the Itaparica reservoir, in Pernambuco, and heads towards areas affected by the drought. The Agreste branch, which is 71 km long, plays a crucial role in directing water to critical regions of Pernambuco.

Both axes involve the construction of considerable infrastructure, including aqueducts, pumping stations and reservoirs. The ccas 1 tunnel, one of the main highlights of the project, is the largest in Latin America, 15 km long.

Future of Transposition and New Axes

The South and West axes are still under study. The southern axis, which was initially planned in 2012, will have a length reduced to 400 km and is in the preparation phase for the start of works. The West axis, which will pass through Piauí, still lacks concrete information.

With the sum of all axes and branches, the transposition of the São Francisco River could reach more than 10.000 km, surpassing the South-North water transfer project in China. This project, started in the 90s, redirects water from the Yese River to meet agricultural and industrial demands in arid regions of China.

Challenges and Expectations

Although the transposition of the São Francisco River is seen as a solution to water problems in the northeast, its execution is not without challenges. The construction of a project of this magnitude requires planning, resources and, above all, the acceptance of the local population.

The success of the project will depend not only on infrastructure, but also on sustainable water management and the involvement of benefiting communities. Expectations are high, and many believe that the transposition can truly transform the water reality of northeastern Brazil.

The transposition of the São Francisco River is more than an engineering work; It is a project that can change lives. With the possibility of becoming the largest transfer of water in the world, its completion could bring relief to millions of people facing drought.