Rio de Janeiro City Hall begins flood control works in the Acari River Basin, in the North Zone.

The mayor of Rio, Eduardo Cavaliere, oversaw, this Saturday (September 12th), the start of flood control works in the Acari River Basin, in the North Zone. The first phase will reinforce the riverbank and improve water drainage in Jardim América, as well as create circulation and leisure spaces for residents. The works are being carried out by the Rio-Águas Foundation, linked to the Municipal Secretariat of Infrastructure.

 

"It's a decades-long, historic challenge," Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere emphasized. "It's the biggest flooding challenge we've ever faced. It's not a trivial project, it's not just a small square, it's not just laying asphalt. It's a real infrastructure project. It will be a total transformation, it will greatly increase property values. We are going to transform the reality of those who live here," he added.

 

The works continue the efforts to restore the river, where cleaning and removal of accumulated material from the riverbed have been intensified since November of last year. During this period, approximately 143 tons of waste have already been removed.

 

The municipal secretary of Infrastructure, Wanderson Santos, who was also present, emphasized the importance of the project:

 

– The Acari River is one of the biggest challenges in terms of flooding in our city, a historical problem that has demanded attention for many years. We are going to carry out a complete requalification of the Acari River channel. Almost 4 kilometers of river will be completely revitalized, and we are also making progress with constant maintenance work. We have already removed more than 140 tons of debris from the river channel. We will restore the roads, and we will also have a leisure area – he stated.

 

In this first phase, 740 meters of retaining walls will be built in the Nova União section, with stone and concrete structures to reinforce the banks. Improvements will also be made at the confluence of the Acari and Pavuna rivers to facilitate water flow.

 

The area will feature a road along the riverbank, a sidewalk and walking path, as well as a multi-sports court, playground, and senior citizen exercise area. The project also includes a new pedestrian walkway over the river.

 

Site preparation has already begun, with the removal and demolition of structures on the riverbank. This phase is expected to be completed in the second half of 2027.

 

The complete project will benefit approximately 80 people.

 

Divided into phases, the project for the Acari River Basin foresees the widening of the riverbed along a 3,8-kilometer stretch, between Avenida Pastor Martin Luther King Jr. and its confluence with the Pavuna River. The set of interventions will benefit approximately 80 people.

 

Isabel do Nascimento, a 53-year-old delivery worker who has lived in Pavuna, on the banks of the Acari River, for eight of those years, is hopeful for better days for the residents, especially the children.

 

"I'm very happy with the project, which will make our lives better, especially the children, who now only live inside the house because there's nowhere for them to play. There will be a sports court here, a recreation area, a gym. I'm already on my way (laughs). I'm going to work out, I need it, I'm overweight. I was just now removing mud so the water would drain because stagnant water breeds disease, right? And we walk through here with the water above our shins when it rains. We are very much in need," said Isabel, while removing mud from her front door with the help of her 9-year-old daughter, Yasmin.

 

The planned investment in the region totals R$ 430 million, including construction and river maintenance services.

 

The Acari River Basin covers 107 square kilometers and encompasses approximately 20% of the city's population. Floods primarily affect nine neighborhoods in the North Zone: Acari, Costa Barros, Coelho Neto, Irajá, Barros Filho, Fazenda Botafogo, Jardim América, Pavuna, and Colégio.

 

River cleanup continues.

 

The Rio-Águas Foundation maintains machinery dedicated to cleaning and removing accumulated material from the bottom of the Acari River. The work prioritizes the stretches between Avenida Brasil and Avenida Pastor Martin Luther King Jr. Currently, teams are working in Pavuna, Coelho Neto, and Honório Gurgel.

 

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September 12th, 2026

Appointments: margin containment Acari River Pavuna River