41% of Brazil World Cup projects yet to start

The Brazilian Ministry of Sport has revealed that five of the 101 projects it aims to complete for the World Cup in 2014 have been completed, while 55 are currently under construction. The remaining 40 projects earmarked for completion, however, remain in the design phase.

Brazil has earmarked a total investment - including public and private funds - of BRL 27 billion (US$ 13.6 billion) for World Cup projects, which include new and improved stadiums, airports, ports, road and rail infrastructure.

In a progress update report, the Ministry of Sport said most of the projects would be delivered in 2013. It said 69 projects were scheduled for completion next year, with 17 remaining for completion in 2014.

There are 12 World Cup stadium projects throughout Brazil, representing a total investment of BRL 6.8 billion (US$ 3.4 billion). Construction of these projects is on schedule - six stadiums will be finished this year or early next year, and the remaining 6 are on track for completion during 2013.

However, the Ministry's plan for the modernisation of its ports is lagging. BRL 900 million (US$ 453 million) has been earmarked for the development of seven ports, four of which are under construction, while two of the projects are out for tender and one is still in the project design phase.

Meanwhile, 13 of Brazil's airports are also scheduled to be modernised - consisting of 31 separate projects costing a total of BRL 7.4 billion (US$ 3.7 billion). Of these projects, the Ministry said 13 were under construction, while five had been completed.

There are also 51 urban transport projects planned for 2014 delivery, costing a total of BRL 12 billion (US$ 6 billion). The Ministry said 80% of these projects - which include road and rail rehabilitation - would be completed in 2013.

Guarantee

Brazil's Minister of Planning, Miriam Belchior, said the 2014 World Cup projects would be completed in time. "Resources for the works in host cities are guaranteed, even if there are any delays. There is no perspective of withdrawing, considering that such works were chosen with great care and are imperative both in airports and in ports, in addition to mobility," she said.