Ten-year flood protection project in Brazil improves lives of over 300,000 people

The Tucunduba river basin in Belém, in the state of Pará, Brazil, is over two kilometers long. A lack of adequate drainage caused frequent flooding in the region, which directly impacted the thousands of families who occupied the river basin.  

In 2012, Tractebel was mandated by the Government of Pará to address the flooding issue. Our multidisciplinary experts conducted hydrological and hydraulic studies and design works to expand the flow capacity of the basin's channels. We carried out site supervision works for the implementation of an improved water supply system and sewage treatment plant, storm drainage system, and bridges for both vehicles and pedestrians.  

Before and after images

Paving the way for long-term, sustainable solutions  

One of the main areas of impact of the Tucunduba Basin Integrated Sanitation Project is the social aspect, considering that the riverbank was occupied by 1,516 families in poor living conditions at the start of the project a decade ago. All inhabitants were registered and given the option to choose between receiving compensation or a housing unit. Concluding the expropriation process was an important and decisive step in launching the flood protection works.  

Our teams also developed the Technical Social Work Project, which aims to stimulate sustainability among residents through a set of socio-educational initiatives. The goal is to raise awareness among the people of the region in relation to environmental and sanitation issues, as well as to promote professionalization. Courses have been offered to assist residents in achieving financial independence.  

Before and after images

New landscape, new quality of life 

This long-term Tucunduba basin project has improved the lives of over 300,000 people in the region, including the 1,516 relocated families, who now have access to better health, sanitation, urban mobility, and safety conditions.  

The channel through which the Tucunduba River flows is 2,175 meters long and improvements were made along its entire length. Besides the works on the sewage disposal system, the river bottom was excavated to increase its capacity and the banks were straightened and grassed at various points. Adjacent lanes were paved and lined with accessible sidewalks. Eight footbridges and 15 vehicle bridges were built to facilitate mobility between neighboring communities.   

Watch the video to see the impressive results of a decade of intense work! 

"This is the kind of project that every engineering company dreams of: it represents a technical challenge, improves quality of life, adds value to the entire region and has a long-lasting effect. We are very happy with the end result of this decade-long project, in which we participated every step of the way - from technical conception through implementation and delivery. Congratulations to everyone who helped make this groundbreaking project a reality.”   Elielson Seabra, Head of Urban Development in Brazil