The first stone marking the start of the construction of the Este Sewer and Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) was laid this Wednesday, in a ceremony attended by Maria da Graça Carvalho, Minister of Environment and Energy.
During the event, the significance of this project was emphasized as an essential and strategic solution to address the environmental and infrastructural challenges of the municipality. The project, representing an investment of approximately €30 million, will enable the efficient treatment of wastewater for around 200,000 population equivalents and will complement the existing capacity of the Frossos WWTP.
Considering the population growth in the Municipality of Braga, this infrastructure will be equipped with the latest and most innovative technologies in wastewater treatment and sustainability. It will include energy production for self-consumption as well as water reuse systems. This technological advancement will also directly improve the quality of local water bodies, contributing to ecosystem preservation and compliance with the goals established by the Urban Wastewater Directive.
Another key aspect of the project is the incorporation of measures to enhance the resilience of the sanitation system against extreme weather events, such as floods and heavy rainfall, fostering a more effective adaptation to climate change. Additionally, the new WWTP will create conditions for reusing treated water, promoting efficiency in the use of water and energy resources.
The funding for this major infrastructure project has been phased through POSEUR and Norte 2030, with the latter’s application already secured. This ensures the execution of this strategic initiative for the Municipality of Braga.
The project will also have a positive impact on education, particularly in environmental awareness and education, aiming to engage and train the population on the Urban Water Cycle and the importance of preserving biodiversity and water resources.
Alexandra Roeger, Chair of the AGERE Board of Directors, highlighted the strategic importance of this initiative, stating that “this project demonstrates AGERE’s ability to combine urban and economic growth with environmental protection, ensuring the construction of a vital infrastructure to achieve the municipality’s sustainability goals.”
The construction of the Este WWTP begins with the installation of the sewer, which will span approximately 3.7 kilometers and include complementary infrastructures to allow flexible flow management, reducing operational risks in the existing system. This initiative represents a decisive step toward modernizing and expanding Braga’s sanitation system.
The laying of the first stone for the new Este WWTP is part of AGERE’s 25th-anniversary celebrations, underscoring the company’s pioneering role in the sustainable management of water resources.