Restoration of an emblematic park in Alagoinhas will improve sustainability and water management

The Mayor of Alagoinhas, Joaquim Neto, and CAF representative in Brazil, Jaime Holguín, signed a technical cooperation agreement for US$200,000 to conduct feasibility studies for the recovery of the “Fonte dos Padres” lagoon. 

With these funds, the city can hire specialists to evaluate the best ways to promote environmental recovery of the lagoon and its surroundings, as a follow-up action additional to those set out in the existing funding arrangement between CAF and the municipality, signed in 2017, for a total of US$11.5 million. The agreement seeks to mitigate the sector’s existing environmental liabilities and foster the creation of spaces for rest, leisure and recreation for the community. 

“Alagoinhas is a nationally renowned city for their privileged water resources. It is an honor to participate in the process of improving sustainability, while we promote higher standards of living for the population and help protect the springs,” said Jaime Holguín. 

In addition, the Mayor of Alagoinhas said that this technical cooperation represents an evolution in environmental protection in Alagoinhas. “We have already completed important infrastructure and sanitation projects with funds from the CAF agreement. Fonte dos Padres is a positive addition to the set of actions aimed to improve the management of water resources in the city, and to build an urbanized environment suitable for the use of the population,” said Neto.   

Fonte dos Padres is an emblematic area of the city and the technical cooperation agreement signed today will impact the area in different aspects. In environmental terms, a water readjustment plan will be put in place to prevent flooding, improve irregular drainage connections and define preservation areas. In the field of urban planning, the creation of a park will alleviate the urban pressure and reduce irregular occupations, through the construction of a bicycle lane around the lagoon, and spaces for viewing and leisure. The recovery of the lagoon also has a symbolic impact on residents of the city, which is recognized by the availability and quality of its water, which drives a good part of the local economy.