Ministry of Tourism Releases US$2 Million for Work on Rio’s Sambadrome

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – At this year’s Carnaval, the samba school parades were at risk due to a refusal by the Fire Department to authorize the show, following the petition for a ban issued by the Rio de Janeiro State Prosecutor’s Office (MPRJ).

Together with the Minister of Tourism, Marcelo Álvaro Antônio, the mayor of Rio, Marcelo Crivella, and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, visited the work in progress yesterday, December 13th.

According to the city government, “the partnership between the city and the federal government will provide greater security and convenience to some 100,000 revelers who will travel along the avenue daily, during carnival 2020, as expected by Riotur”.

“We are confident that with this support from President Jair Bolsonaro, we will have the best Carnaval of all times. Safer, brighter, and more convenient for everyone,” said Crivella.

Minister Marcelo Antônio, who also visited the Rio Operations Center (COR) along with the mayor and the senator, said the installation of CCTV, in and around the Sambadrome, will ensure greater safety.

“According to the engineers, this is the largest renovation ever made in the Sambadrome, providing greater security for those attending the Carnaval”.

“Tourists from Brazil and abroad will find no security issues here. Everything is being done so that this festival remains the greatest celebration in Brazil and Rio de Janeiro,” the mayor said.

Works

In addition to the installation of 500 new lighting panels, among other services, 6,000 square meters of concrete structures, 36,000 square meters of painting and electrical distribution in 89 panels are being redone.

To improve safety at Marques de Sapucaí, the works include new stairways at the exits.

The municipal secretary of Housing and Infrastructure (SMIH), Sebastião Bruno, said that 30 percent of the works have been completed. “Everything is expected to be ready in the second half of February”.

The city government intends to use the site for other events in the city throughout the year.

“We are preparing the venue to host major shows, and other popular activities linked to culture in general, with much better facilities,” said the special secretary of Tourism, Paulo Jobim.

Source: Agência Brasil