Rock Blasting Marks Progress on the Alagoas Backlands Canal

Section 5 of the Alagoas Backlands Canal, the largest water infrastructure project currently underway in the state of Alagoas, reached a decisive milestone on December 15 with the first rock blasting operation for the construction of a 1.3 km tunnel. The work, carried out by a consortium led by Odebrecht Engineering & Construction in partnership with TPF Engineering, represents the overcoming of the main physical barrier to the project’s continuity and reinforces the commitment to the expansion schedule.

The blasting, attended by state and federal authorities, symbolizes a strategic step to ensure that water reaches more communities in the backlands, promoting development, water security, and quality of life. Those present included the State Secretary of Infrastructure, Gustavo Acioli; the National Secretary for Water Security of the Ministry of Integration and Regional Development (MIDR), Giuseppe Vieira; and representatives of the consortium. According to Giuseppe Vieira, federal investments total R$110 million since the authorization of Section V by President Lula in 2024. “The works are moving forward at an accelerated pace, on schedule, and with guaranteed resources to continue advancing,” he stated. Currently, 3 km of the canal have already been completed, with the delivery of 4.5 km supplied with water expected by March. The work front employs more than 500 direct workers—80% of them residents of the backlands—and mobilizes around 80 machines daily, boosting the local economy.

Largest Water Infrastructure Project in Alagoas

Part of the New PAC, the Alagoas Backlands Canal has already completed 123.4 km, supplying water to 10 municipalities. Once finished, it will benefit 42 municipalities and serve more than 1 million people, consolidating itself as a milestone for the state’s water and economic development.

For Secretary Gustavo Acioli, the project is a turning point: “When the Backlands Canal is completed, it will mark the end of water scarcity in the Alagoas backlands. This progress is only possible thanks to the joint efforts of governments and the technical expertise of the companies involved.”

Section V will add 26.6 km to the structure, directly benefiting São José da Tapera, Monteirópolis, and Olho D’Água das Flores, with a positive impact on job creation and the strengthening of local commerce.