Natal plans US$360mn infrastructure works

Brazil's Rio Grande do Norte state capital Natal is planning to invest 817mn reais (US$360mn) in projects from 2014-16 to improve the city's transportation and waterworks infrastructure.

Falling under phase 2 of the country's growth acceleration plan PAC, some 104mn reais are being used to build four bus routes. Another 322mn reais will go toward work planned under PAC's phase 3, which will be launched by President Dilma Rousseff in August, local paper Tribuna do Norte reported.

PAC phase 3 works include implementing bus-rapid-transit routes and intelligent transport systems, building a third bridge to connect the city's eastern and northern regions and improving a number of avenues.

In addition, the cities ministry's urban transport department Semob will soon launch tenders for the construction of four bus terminals, 1,052 bus stops and various transfer stations, the report said.

Finally, 391mn reais are earmarked for basic water and sewerage projects in Natal, including drainage and pavement works. Funding will come from the cities and tourism ministries.