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With a Promise to Transform Safety in the Itajaí Valley, Santa Catarina Will Invest R$ 156.5 Million in the Construction of the Botuverá Dam, a Structure 40.8 Meters High and 20.2 Million m³ That Aims to Protect 450 Thousand Residents from Recurring Floods That Have Affected the Region for Decades.
The Government of Santa Catarina published on Tuesday, the 16th, the electronic bidding notice for the construction of the Botuverá Dam, on the Itajaí Mirim River. The project is estimated to require an investment of R$ 156.5 million and is expected to directly benefit around 450,000 people in Botuverá, Brusque, and Itajaí.
The project is part of a package of protection and civil defense actions that also includes the new dam in Mirim Doce and the renovation of structures in Ituporanga, Taió, and José Boiteux. According to the government, the initiative seeks to reduce the impacts of floods that have historically affected the Itajaí Valley.
Jorginho Mello Calls the Project a Historic Milestone
Governor Jorginho Mello described the future dam as a historic milestone for the region. He stated that the government is investing in infrastructure to protect the population and minimize the damage caused by flooding. For him, the project represents a decisive step in the safety of local communities.
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The bidding will be conducted through electronic competition, using the criterion of the highest discount. The winning company will be responsible for the preparation of the projects as well as for the execution.
The deadline for submitting proposals will be from September 17 to December 15, 2025. The competition will begin on the same day 15, at 1:45 PM.
The contract will be valid for 30 months, with 24 dedicated to execution. The funds will come from the State Fund for Protection and Civil Defense (FUNPDEC). The Department of Infrastructure and Mobility and the State Civil Defense will oversee the entire process to ensure transparency and technical rigor.
Safety and Development for the Itajaí Valley
The Secretary of Protection and Civil Defense, Mário Hildebrandt, stated that the project goes far beyond an engineering project.
According to him, the government fulfills its commitment to care for people and cities. Hildebrandt emphasized that the dam represents safety for thousands of families, prevention, and development.
He highlighted that the investment of over R$ 156.5 million seeks to build a more resilient future for the Itajaí Valley and for the entire state.
For the secretary, the dam demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting lives and promoting sustainable growth in areas affected by floods.
In addition to the Botuverá Dam, the State plans to launch the bidding notice for the Mirim Doce dam by the end of the year. Projects for new structures in Petrolândia, Pouso Redondo, and Trombudo Central are also progressing, expanding the flood containment network in Santa Catarina.
Characteristics and Technology of the Structure
The Botuverá Dam will be constructed using roller-compacted concrete (RCC), a technique known for its high strength and durability.
The structure will be 40.8 meters high and 124 meters long at its crest. It will be able to store 20.2 million cubic meters of water.
The project also includes two sluice gates, each with the capacity to release up to 250 cubic meters of water per second. These features will allow for efficient control of the flow of the Itajaí-Mirim River, reducing the impact of floods that have affected the region for decades.
Studies by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) supported the planning of the dam. The project will follow strict environmental criteria, including the restoration of degraded areas, waste management, and reforestation with native species.
During the execution, the project will be monitored by remote systems, audiovisual reports, and periodic inspections. Control agencies will continuously oversee the process.
The expectation is to complete and put the dam into operation in two years, providing more protection to the communities in the Itajaí Valley.
