ARCADIS (EURONEXT: ARCAD), the international consultancy, design, engineering and management services company, announced today that ARCADIS Logos in Brazil, in a consortium with a local firm, has signed a large water management contract with the Brazilian Ministry of National Integration for the implementation of the Sao Francisco River Integration Project. The total amount of the awarded contract is US$ 42 million, ARCADIS Logos' share amounts to US$ 21 million.
The project aims to reduce the chronic water shortage in the northeastern part of Brazil. Work will include the construction of two channels of in total 720 km, complemented by aqueducts, tunnels and reservoirs. This will result in up to 127 m3 of water per second to be pumped from the Sao Francisco River up to the arid basins, establishing a reliable source of drinking water with seasonal surpluses destined for irrigation.
ARCADIS Logos' management and technical support includes the general coordination, time and cost planning and control, procurement, engineering supervision, environmental coordination and auditing of the construction quality control activities performed by third parties. This contract is an extension of an earlier contract, resulting in continuity of services from ARCADIS Logos, and its partner, since the project started in 2005.
Project completion is scheduled for 2012, requiring a total investment of US$ 3.4 billion. Some 12 million people living in the arid regions will benefit from it. The project is being developed across 4 Brazilian states and will generate 9,100 jobs during construction. A comprehensive environmental program complements the project, including archeological site rescue efforts, deployment of water and sewerage systems in neighboring communities and life improvement for native Indians and small communities.
"This unique project in size, importance and complexity provides an excellent platform to demonstrate the breadth of strong capabilities we have within ARCADIS Logos. We will continue to offer our client integrated services that will enable a rapid, yet high quality implementation of this important project", said Manoel da Silva, ARCADIS Logos' CEO.
Source: http://www.arcadis.com