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Government announces MILLION-DOLLAR investment in highways in the Sertão to benefit 140 THOUSAND people

Written by Alisson Ficher
Published 06/10/2024 às 00:18
The government of Paraíba invests R$65 million in highways in the backlands. The innovative project will benefit 140 people.
The government of Paraíba invests R$65 million in highways in the backlands. The innovative project will benefit 140 people.

The government is investing more than R$65 million in highways in the backlands, benefiting more than 140 people. Three major paving and restoration projects are underway, focusing on Sousa and Cajazeiras.

Paraíba is about to experience a historic transformation, with promises of changes that could directly affect more than 140 thousand people in the state's hinterland.

The local government announced million-dollar investments in highways that promise to facilitate vehicle traffic and promote the region's development.

But will this investment bring all the benefits that are being advertised? The announcement, made by the Department of Highways (DER-PB), highlights three major projects, but the details of this project still leave many questions in the air. After all, what is at stake for the residents of these cities?

An investment of more than BRL 65 million

The government of Paraíba, through DER-PB, is allocating more than R $ million 65 for road works in the hinterland, aiming to modernize traffic and promote integration between municipalities.

Two paving works and one restoration work are part of the package, which involves improvements in strategic areas, such as the region polarized by the municipalities of Sousa and Cajazeiras.

These cities are located in the Alto Sertão and play a crucial role in local economic and social development. According to government data, work will directly benefit more than 140 thousand inhabitants.

Sousa, known for being the main dairy hub in western Paraíba and for being home to one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, will be one of the biggest beneficiaries.

The city, with around 70 thousand inhabitants, will gain a new highway that promises to ease local traffic.

According to civil engineer Valter Ferreira, “the implementation of Western Perimeter It is already among the most important urban mobility works in the city, redirecting heavy traffic from the industrial hub and light tourist traffic to BR-230, relieving urban traffic.”

This project must ensure greater efficiency in the transportation of agricultural and industrial products, in addition to facilitating tourist access to the region.

Perimetral Oeste de Sousa: one of the main bets

One of the most anticipated works is the construction of the Western Perimeter of Sousa, which promises to directly connect the BR 230 and PB-391, towards Cajazeiras and Uiraúna.

With a length of 4,3 km and an investment of more than R $ million 17,5, this highway is already in the earthmoving phase and will have drainage, new bridges and the demolition of old structures.

According to Cheirliane Maia, manager and engineer at DER, this work is vital for the socioeconomic development of the city of Sousa and for the road safety of its users.

“It will redirect truck traffic, previously concentrated in the city center, to the highway, making traffic faster and safer,” says the engineer.

PB-394: strategic paving for the backlands

Another relevant work is the implementation and paving of PB-394, which will connect to BR 230 to the district of Engenheiros Avidos, also known as Boqueirão de Piranhas.

With a length of 13 km and an investment of almost R $ million 32, this highway is already in advanced construction.

The project includes earthworks, excavation and construction of a solid base for traffic, as well as the installation of drainage systems.

According to Cheirliane Maia, “this paving will bring development to the Paraíba hinterland, directly benefiting 4.500 people and guaranteeing greater road safety".

Local residents, such as João Lucas, a student from the Engenheiros Avidos district, are optimistic about the impacts of this work.

He believes that the paving will not only bring more safety, but will also be a gateway for new investments in the region.

“We have natural beauty that is little explored, and this project could be the key to attracting tourists and fostering local development,” says João, highlighting the mountains, rivers and reservoirs that make up the landscape of Boqueirão de Piranhas.

PB-400: essential restoration for the Piancó Valley

The third and final featured work is restoration of the PB-400, what CONECT cajazeiras a Saint Joseph of Piranhas, with an extension of 30,5 km.

The government invested more than R $ million 15,4 in this recovery, which already includes the restoration of drainage systems and the installation of horizontal and vertical signage.

According to Lucas Arruda, DER manager, this work has a special meaning for the Piranhas River Valley.

“This highway was built in the 80s and has been in a state of disrepair ever since. The restoration will bring not only improvements in mobility and road safety, but it will also stimulate economic development of the region”, explains the engineer.

The local population, especially residents who have depended on this road for years, are already feeling the difference. Fábio Hermano, who has used the highway since 1996, says that he has “never seen the highway in such good condition.”

He highlights that the work will improve the lives of people who need to travel to Cajazeiras frequently, offering greater safety and speed in their journeys.

A promising future, but still with challenges

Although the investments are huge and the works promise to boost development of the Paraíba hinterland, there are still questions about the real impact of these improvements in the long term.

Will the works be sufficient to meet the demands of the population and support the expected economic growth? And more importantly: how can we ensure that these resources are applied efficiently and transparently?

Do you believe that investments in highways in the Paraíba hinterland will bring the expected results? Or do you think there is still a lot to be done to improve the region's infrastructure? Leave your opinion in the comments!

Alisson Ficher

Journalist graduated in 2017 and working in the field since 2015, with six years of experience in print magazines and over 12 thousand online publications. Specialist in politics, jobs, economics, courses, among other topics. If you have any questions, want to report an error or suggest a topic on the topics covered on the site, please contact us by email: alisson.hficher@outlook.com. We do not accept resumes!

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