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If you think Santa Catarina does not take the fight against floods seriously, it is time to reconsider your concepts! With a million-dollar investment exceeding R$ 300 million, the state government has launched an audacious project: the construction of a new dam and a series of reforms and improvements to strengthen the containment structures. After the heavy rains of last year that flooded cities and left a trail of losses, the state decided to roll up its sleeves and invest heavily to prevent the nightmare of floods from repeating.
At the heart of this prevention project are the construction of dams, important reforms, and strategic cleaning of rivers. Since October and November 2023, the state has experienced one of the worst floods in years, especially in Alto Vale, and the urgency for more robust measures became evident. The construction of a new dam has stood out as a priority, with two new dams planned for Mirim Doce and Botuverá, and a sixth structure planned for the Perimbó River in Petrolândia, budgeted at an impressive R$ 72.3 million.
Million-Dollar Investment and the Construction of New Dams
The investments to contain the floods exceed R$ 200 million, with the execution of bids for two dams and the construction of a new structure on the Perimbó River. With the capacity to store over 3.5 billion liters of water, this sixth dam in Petrolândia will play an essential role in containing water during critical rainy periods. To ensure that the project complies with environmental regulations, a R$ 3.8 million tender has been launched for the Basic Environmental Plan (PBA), essential for minimizing environmental impacts during the different phases of construction.
In Mirim Doce, the dam that will be built on the Taió River has a budget of R$ 93.1 million and is expected to contribute to flood control in the region. In Botuverá, the investment reaches R$ 155 million. This specific project was developed based on joint studies with the Japan International Cooperation Agency, which reinforced the need for new dams for local safety.
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Reforms on the Dams and the Focus on Modernization
In addition to the construction of new dams, the government announced renovations to the Sul Dam in Ituporanga, a structure that has not received significant improvements for 50 years. Budgeted at R$ 23 million, the renovation includes the replacement of gates, restoration of the electrical system, and modernization with automation, allowing the Civil Defense to operate the dam remotely. The deadline for completion is 330 days, according to the government.
Cleaning and Dredging of Rivers in Alto Vale
Another important point in combating floods is the cleaning and dredging of rivers, with investments of R$ 16.2 million for sediment removal in the Itajaí-Açu River in Rio do Sul. The project covers a stretch of over 8 km and aims to stabilize banks and slopes using sustainable techniques. The forecast is that this service will last about six months, after some delays due to flooding earlier this year.
The government has also opened bids for the dredging of sections in the Itajaí do Oeste and Pombas rivers, with an estimated budget of R$ 9.9 million, addressing sediment removal and bank stabilization to improve water flow and reduce flood risks.
Public Participation and New Operations Manual
In an unprecedented move, the Civil Defense held a public consultation on the operations manual for the dams, allowing residents, technicians, and community representatives to share their opinions and concerns regarding the construction. This initiative aims to enhance operational guidelines to ensure greater safety and efficiency in dam operations throughout the state.
With the launch of new projects and million-dollar investments in flood containment, Santa Catarina is moving to strengthen its protection infrastructure, safeguarding the population and minimizing the risks of natural disasters. The expectation is that these initiatives will bring lasting results and prevent the damages and losses experienced during the floods of 2023.
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