# São Francisco River infrastructure development

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/so-francisco-river-infrastructure-development
> Updated: 2026-09-03T21:56:16.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Infrastructure projects involving the São Francisco River in Brazil are advancing through different developmental stages. 

In the state of Ceará, the Ceará Water Belt—a 145-kilometre concrete canal project initiated in 2013—is nearing completion. The project is approximately 92% finished and aims to transport water from the São Francisco River to the semi-arid interior to support five million people and regional agriculture.

Simultaneously, the Federal Port Authority of Brazil (Codeba) and the Ministry of Integration and Regional Development (MIDR) are working to reactivate the São Francisco Waterway. This initiative involves a proposed R$ 6 billion investment to improve navigability and river basin revitalization. An initial phase in Bom Jesus da Lapa, focused on studies and bioengineering, is expected to require approximately R$ 130 million.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: Codeba and MIDR plan to reactivate São Francisco Waterway

Codeba and Brazil's Ministry of Integration are planning a R$ 6 billion project to reactivate the São Francisco Waterway, starting with a R$ 130 million phase in Bom Jesus da Lapa.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/codeba-and-midr-plan-to-reactivate-so-francisco-waterway

### 2026-08-06: Brazil pushes ahead with 145‑km concrete water channel to serve 5 million in Ceará

Brazil’s 145‑km concrete canal in Ceará, 92% complete, will draw water from the São Francisco River to supply about five million people, including Fortaleza, by moving up to 30 m³/s.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-pushes-ahead-with-145km-concrete-water-channel-to-serve-5-million-in-cear

---
Cite as: São Francisco River infrastructure development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/so-francisco-river-infrastructure-development