Salvador-Itaparica Bridge: delays in construction and criticism from Bruno Reis raise doubts about the delivery of the R$9 billion megaproject

Mayor of Salvador mocks progress of construction on Salvador-Itaparica bridge and lack of visible progress; deadline may extend until 2032

The mayor of Salvador, Bruno Reis, publicly criticized the progress of the construction of the Salvador-Itaparica Bridge, one of the largest infrastructure projects in Brazil, with an estimated budget of R$9 billion. During an event in the capital of Bahia, the mayor mocked the lack of progress on the project: “What are we going to monitor if there is no work? They are still surveying. If anyone wants to see anything, they will need diving goggles.” The statement reflects the uncertainty and frustration with the lack of concrete progress on the project, which promises to connect Salvador to Itaparica Island and benefit more than 250 municipalities in Bahia.

Delays and challenges of the Salvador-Itaparica Bridge

The construction of the Salvador-Itaparica Bridge was announced as one of the main bets for the development of the state, promoting integration between Salvador, Recôncavo Baiano and the interior of Bahia. However, since the signing of the contract with the Salvador-Itaparica Bridge Consortium, formed by Chinese companies, progress has been minimal.

According to the State Audit Court (TCE), an agreement mediated between the state government and the consortium established a six-year deadline for completion of the works, counting from the final signing of the contract, which could occur in up to one year. This means that the bridge could only be completed in 2032, well beyond the initial forecasts. The government of Bahia, in turn, reported that geotechnical surveys have already begun, essential for defining the foundation of the bridge's pillars, but that there is still no clear schedule for the execution of structural works.

Socioeconomic and environmental impact

The Salvador-Itaparica Bridge has the potential to transform Bahia's infrastructure, significantly reducing travel time between Salvador and the south of the state. Currently, the ferry crossing can take up to two hours, while the bridge would allow the journey to be made in around 20 minutes.

The government also estimates the generation of 8 thousand direct jobs and one major impact on the tourism and logistics sector. According to real estate experts, the appreciation of land in the region could generate a new wave of investment and stimulate the growth of cities such as Vera Cruz, Itaparica and Jaguaripe.

On the other hand, environmentalists warn of the ecological risks of the construction. The NGO SOS Mata Atlântica highlighted that the project could affect mangroves and coral reefs, in addition to compromising traditional fishing communities. A study published by the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA) indicates that more than 100 temples of African-based religions on Itaparica Island could be impacted without prior consultation with local communities.

Political repercussions and public expectations

Bruno Reis' speech sparked political reactions. While opposition groups criticize the state government's slowness in carrying out the project, government representatives say that the infrastructure needed for construction requires time and planning. The governor of Bahia, Jerônimo Rodrigues, emphasized that the project is still underway and that new steps will be announced in the coming months.

The population, in turn, expresses doubts about the bridge feasibility. For many residents of Salvador and Itaparica Island, the lack of concrete progress raises questions about whether the project will actually be completed within the established deadline. “We have seen this project come to fruition several times, but it never goes ahead. I hope that now it will actually happen,” said José Almeida, a resident of Itaparica.