State Works on the Cipriano Santos Canal Enter Final Stretch in Belém

“The works are not even finished yet and we no longer face flooding. We have access to public services, with police vehicles, garbage trucks, and ambulances passing by. It’s dignity to live.” This statement is from housewife Mary Lima, a resident of the Terra Firme neighborhood for 25 years.

The housewife acknowledges the progress of the long-awaited work for her and the community on the Cipriano Santos Canal. "The workers dedicate themselves day and night, it is a blessing and a great achievement for us, the residents. We are happy,” celebrates Mary Lima.

More than 95% of the work on the Cipriano Santos Canal has already been executed by the State Government, through the State Secretariat of Public Works (Seop). In the final stretch, finishing services, painting, guardrail repairs, tactile paving installation, asphalting, and road signage are underway. The project is part of the macro-drainage works of the Tucunduba Basin, which will benefit more than 300,000 people in Belém.

Structural Works Modernize Urban Landscape of Belém

“We are in the final stretch of work to deliver another important project for the population of Belém. After the Timbó Canal and the first phase of the Gentil Canal, the Government of Pará is advancing in another investment from the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP 30), the Cipriano Santos Canal, which is also part of the historic macro-drainage of the Tucunduba Basin. It’s more infrastructure, quality of life, mobility, and dignity for the residents of the Terra Firme neighborhood,” states Ruy Cabral, head of Seop.

In addition to the rectification of 1,114 meters of the canal, the services of the work include: infrastructure and basic sanitation works with new water supply networks; sewage systems; storm drainage; four bridges; eight walkways; a square that will integrate a sports court, two playgrounds, two outdoor gyms, and a running track; road urbanization and filling of backyards in the surroundings.

A resident for about 40 years near the canal, social worker Eliete Brito considers the work the realization of a dream. “It’s a project that transforms the lives of the population, providing more quality of life for the residents due to the improvements the government provides. It’s a beautiful project. I am grateful, first to God, and then to our government for finally putting this long-held dream into practice,” she celebrates, looking forward to the delivery.

The supervisor Gabrielle Rocha, who is also a resident of Terra Firme, is one of more than 200 workers involved in the project. “I was unemployed for two months when I got this opportunity, important for me, as I know and live the need for a project like this on the canal. It was awaited for many years by the residents, and I had the chance to re-enter the job market,” she comments.

COP30 LEGACY - The works on the Cipriano Santos Canal are part of the actions of the Government of Pará in preparation for COP 30, which will be held in November this year in the capital of Pará, Belém. They involve a series of sanitation works in 13 canals of the Tucunduba, Murucutu, Una, and Tamandaré basins, benefiting more than half a million residents of Belém.