Brazil's Water Project Leaves Locals Thirsty

Brazil's large-scale São Francisco River diversion project, intended to provide water security to 12 million people in the drought-prone sertão, has faced significant criticism. Nine years after its completion, some communities, particularly those displaced by its construction, report feeling the least benefit.

The £2.1bn ($2.8bn) project, which began in 2007, required the expropriation of thousands of properties. While many relocated families were moved to "productive rural villages" with new housing, these communities often lack basic services like running water and adequate irrigation, as seen in Vila Salão.

Regional prosecutor Janaína Andrade notes that relocated individuals, previously self-sufficient with artesian wells, became dependent on benefits in areas lacking production means. Many, like Maria de Fátima Ferreira da Silva, now struggle to access water for daily needs and agriculture.

In contrast, Vila Lafayette has seen improvements due to persistent resident advocacy, securing mains water and irrigation. However, the effectiveness of the diversion remains debated, with the Ministry of Development and Regional Integration deferring responsibility for distribution to local operators.