Rio de Janeiro’s bid committee to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games today reaffirmed its commitment to the environment. Rio 2016’s operations superintendent, Carlos Luiz Martins, and infrastructure director, Alexandre Techima, were present at the official opening of the Alegria sewage treatment plant in Caju, organized by Rio de Janeiro’s state water and sewage company, Cedae. This is the most important component of the program to clean up Guanabara Bay, the planned sailing venue in the city’s bid to hold the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The event was also attended by Brazil’s environment minister, Carlos Minc, the governor of Rio, Sérgio Cabral, the city mayor, Eduardo Paes, and the president of Cedae, Wagner Victer. “This is a very important step forward. Looking ahead, the state government of Rio pledges that, by 2016, 100% of the city’s sewage will be treated,” said Governor Cabral.

The Alegria plant is capable of treating 2,500 liters of sewage per second and will benefit 1.25 million residents in 19 city districts. “This is part of a wide-ranging plan which demonstrates the state government and Cedae’s engagement in Rio’s Olympic bid,” said Martins. “It’s an important improvement which strengthens our proposal, because the environment is a important concern for the International Olympic Committee".

Mayor Paes stressed the collaboration of the three levels of government to boost Rio de Janeiro’s development. “Projects like these represent an important milestone for the city, improving it for citizens of Rio and visitors” he said.

In February, Cedae will begin another important project for Rio de Janeiro’s Olympic bid: the R$200 million clean up of the Cunha Canal, which feeds into Guanabara Bay. “This project is also supportive of Rio’s Olympic bid. We are committed to cleaning up Guanabara Bay. This will provide the city with more spaces for sports, leisure and tourism” said Minc, environment minister.