Brasília to expand investments in infrastructure projects

The government of Brasília plans to expand investments in infrastructure projects in the second half of this year.

The current budget of 520mn reais (US$140mn) is likely to increase to 1bn reais in order to accelerate projects.

"First we were understanding the situation and restructured the federal district. In spite of the conditions, we did not have elaborate projects. We hope to start a cycle of many works, generating employment, income and development for the population,” said Ibaneis Rocha, Brasília's governor, who took office in January.

Rocha said the infrastructure drive would be financed by the district's own tax collection.

The projects include a water catchment basin, the construction of a viaduct, repaving streets and recovery of sidewalks.

Brasília has a population of around 3mn people. In recent decades, the capital has seen strong and disorderly population growth that has increased the need for new infrastructure initiatives.