Bridge construction begins in 2014; Gabrielli celebrates.
"New economic activities will emerge with the construction of the bridge, including attracting companies to the region and generating jobs," says the former president of Petrobras; if the bridge starts to take shape in 2014, as Governor Jaques Wagner (PT) predicts, which the opposition doubts, Gabrielli would be 'benefited' and would have a 'push' to be the PT candidate for governor of the state.
Bahia 247
The municipalities of Salvador, Vera Cruz, Itaparica and Jaguaripe signed this Monday (25) with the state government a technical cooperation agreement to "facilitate" collaboration for studies on the Salvador-Itaparica bridge.
The state's Planning Secretary, José Sérgio Gabrielli, tried, but couldn't hide his enthusiasm at the ceremony. After all, if the bridge starts to take shape in 2014, as Governor Jaques Wagner (PT) predicts—something the opposition doubts—Gabrielli would be 'benefited' and would have a 'boost' to become the PT's candidate for governor of the state.
According to the former president of Petrobras, the studies include economic and financial modeling, conceptual engineering designs, and analysis of environmental and cultural impacts.
"New economic activities will arise with the construction of the bridge, including attracting companies to the region and generating jobs. Therefore, we will promote the analysis of environmental impacts, expropriation, among others."
According to the former all-powerful figure, the project, initially estimated at R$ 7 billion, could have its cost reduced with "adjustments".
To the delight of Gabrielli and the PT (Workers' Party), Wagner stated that the "works" should begin in 2014. "I believe that in 2014, still during this administration, I can sign the work order for the project, which will bring added value to Salvador and the other municipalities involved. After the work order, there should be another 36 or 40 months of construction. So, the bridge should be ready in 2017 or 2018."
Mayor ACM Neto (DEM) emphasized his commitment to Wagner's project. "There is no doubt about the social and economic importance of this project, which will be an opportunity to enhance the island and the entire Bay of All Saints," the mayor stated.
However, the Democrat considered two aspects that "need to be taken into account" in the State-Municipality partnership: the impact on traffic and the enhancement of the economic potential of the lower city and the suburban railway area.
"Today, Salvador's main road connection is the BR-324. Now, with the bridge, we would have a new route integrating the city with the island and the Recôncavo region. It is necessary to examine the traffic impact and prepare the city from the point of view of public transportation, given the large daily flow in this new growth vector for Salvador."