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Largest water project in Latin America advances with public-private partnerships, infrastructure expansion and new management strategies in the São Francisco River Integration Project to ensure sustainable development of the region
The São Francisco River Integration Project (PISF), the largest water infrastructure project in Latin America, continues to advance in 2025, consolidating itself as a crucial solution to water scarcity in the semi-arid Northeast. The initiative already impacts more than 12 million people in Pernambuco, Paraíba, Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte, covering around 390 municipalities and ensuring water security for human consumption, irrigation and industrial development.
Public-private partnerships and efficient management of the São Francisco River
In order to improve the operation and maintenance of the project, the federal government, together with the beneficiary states, is implementing a Public-Private Partnership model (PPP). This format seeks to optimize the management of water resources and ensure the financial sustainability of the project.
The Ministry of Integration and Regional Development (MIDR) announced that the public consultation on the new management model has been extended until March 21, 2025 to increase society's participation in the São Francisco River Integration Project (PISF) process. The expectation is that granting the transposition operation to the private sector will ensure efficiency and expansion of services provided to the northeastern states.
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Economic and social impacts of transposition
The transposition of the São Francisco River brought significant changes to the region:
- Greater water supply: Increase in water availability for human supply and agricultural production, reducing the impacts of prolonged droughts.
- Expansion of irrigated agriculture: The project boosted the growth of fruit growing and grain production in the semi-arid region, making the region more competitive in agribusiness.
- Job creation: Since the start of construction, around 10 direct and indirect jobs have been created, stimulating the local economy.
However, challenges such as the cost of electricity to pump water and the need for continuous maintenance of the channels are still points of attention, as indicated by studies by the National Institute of the Semi-Arid (INSA).
Progress of complementary works
In addition to the main axes of the transposition of the São Francisco River, complementary works, such as the Ceará Water Belt (CAC), are still underway. The CAC distributes the waters of the São Francisco River to several river basins in the state, expanding the scope of the project.
Another highlight is the construction of the Sertão Alagoano Canal, which promises to bring water to hundreds of rural communities in Alagoas. This channel is expected to benefit more than 1 million people. until its complete completion.
