Floods: government spent only 14% of resources for prevention

Leandro Kleber
Accounts Opened

Despite the constant tragedies as a result of rains that hit the states of North and South of the country for decades, the federal, state and municipal governments still spend little for prevention actions. The Ministry of National Integration, for example, responsible for the program of "prevention and disaster preparedness," has disbursed only 14% (U.S. $ 70.6 million) of R $ R $ 508.3 million expected to be used this year. Meanwhile, the paste applied R $ 535 million on the program of "disaster response and reconstruction", seven times more.



The authorized amount for the item to prevent increased R $ 158 million in March and June. But even until March, only $ 39 million had been invested in construction and preventive services in risk areas, including slope containment, surface and underground drainage, dredging, rectification and canalization of rivers and streams.



The program also provides surface protection with natural materials and artificial gravity walls, reinforced embankments, barriers and plant works like bridges and overpasses small. Moreover, there is still forecast resources for the relocation of families affected by the temporary disaster.



Already the program of "disaster response and reconstruction" includes stock relief and assistance to people affected by disasters, restoration of the essential activities and recovery of damages caused by the tragedies. Are planned U.S. $ 2.1 billion in the 2010 budget to pay for it, that is three times more than the amount authorized prevention program. The $ 542.6 million disbursed in response actions are equivalent to 26% of authorized for the year.



For a geology professor at the Institute of Geosciences, University of Brasilia José Oswaldo Filho, exists in Brazil a widespread disregard the preventive actions. "It's like the old saying goes: the Brazilian only closes the door after it is stolen. It's much easier to prevent than to remedy. And if that budget planning was actually followed, perhaps we would have avoided many tears and much pain, that are applied every year, "he laments.



According to the geologist, there are natural cycles that do not allow to avoid disaster. However, argues that every year many regions are punished with heavy rains and droughts arising from urban chaos. "An occupation cluttered the banks of a river, for example where it is known that there are a minimum and maximum level of flood waters, is an irresponsible act and it can be avoided. The occupation of urban areas makes the increase of soil sealing. Thus, as the water has run off somewhere, she will accumulate more in certain spots, "says Oswaldo Filho.



The report came in contact with the Ministry of National Integration to know if there were contingency of resources in disaster-prevention program. The press reported that there were no lockout features.


In an interview with Accounts Opened earlier this year, Secretary of the National Civil Defense, Ivone Valente said that the requirements of the agreements to be signed between the federal entities interfere in the implementation of program resources to prevent disaster. "The prevention resources are in the form of agreement, in which the law is very clear. The municipality herein stated parties must present the basic design, the environmental permit, the technical manager and a list of 14 documents, and legal opinion, so then we can pay the first installment. There is also the administrative difficulties of municipalities in the preparation of projects, "he argued.



Ivone Valente also stressed that the Department of National Civil Defense, linked to national integration, has a mission to accomplish great works of prevention. "Our budget is in relation to their disasters. The Ministry of Planning believes that there's no telling what volume you need, because demand is a function of the events. So our resources come through interim measures, ie when events occur, "he said. According to the official description of disaster-prevention program, there is provision for funds for construction of bridges and viaducts small, and works to temporarily house families who are at risk.

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