In partnership with company EBX, the state government of Rio de Janeiro yesterday officially began a new stage in the process of cleaning up Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. As part of Rio’s plans to hold the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the lake will host rowing and slalom canoeing competitions.

The official launch was attended by the vice-governor of Rio, Luiz Fernando Pezão, EBX director, Paulo Farag, and the president of CEDAE, Rio’s water and sewerage company, Wagner Victer. An investment of R$500,000 is being made to unblock and film the rainwater drainage system around the lake. The clean-up program will benefit around 180,000 residents in seven city districts. “This is another example of public-private partnerships working to help the environment and the people of Rio de Janeiro,” said Pezão.

According to state environment institute INEA, sanitary conditions around the lake have already improved by 92% since 2006. The clean-up process, which is part of the Rio 2016 bid’s environment project, involves constant dredging and the refurbishment of eight sewage pumping stations that circle the lake. “Rio 2016 environmental proposals are focused on four areas: water conservation; renewable energy; carbon-neutral Games; and waste management and social responsibility. One of the city’s most picturesque landmarks, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas plays host to practitioners of many sports, including rowing, canoeing and sailing. Cleaning up the lake is one of the highlights of Rio 2016’s plans,” commented Rio 2016 president, Carlos Arthur Nuzman.