Government suspends hearing on possible concession of MT-060 and MT-451 after reaction from residents

The suspension was announced this Wednesday (15) by state deputy Diego Guimarães (Republicans), during a session at the Legislative Assembly of Mato Grosso. According to the parliamentarian, the decision was communicated by governor Otaviano Pivetta after conversations with government representatives.

"We want to discuss the impacts of a possible concession for the population of Poconé, Livramento and the districts of Chumbo and Cangas. I spoke yesterday with governor Otaviano Pivetta, with the head of the Civil House, Mauro Carvalho, and with the secretary of Sinfra, Marcelo Padeiro. And recently, in a new conversation with governor Pivetta, he confirmed that the public hearing that would debate improvements to the MT-060 and listen to the population about the possibility of a concession”, said Diego.

The possibility of concessioning the highway generated concern among residents of Poconé, Nossa Senhora do Livramento and the districts of Chumbo and Cangas, mainly in relation to the economic impacts of a possible toll charge.

According to Diego Guimarães, workers, rural producers, traders and students who use the MT-060 daily reported apprehension about the effects that the measure could have on the region's routine.

"As we have already realized that the population does not want this proposal, the will of the people needs to be respected. And Governor Otaviano Pivetta was sensitive to this. Therefore, the hearing is suspended", declared the deputy.

Pantanal region

The MT-060 is one of the main connections between municipalities in the Pantanal region. Poconé is considered the gateway to the Pantanal of Mato Grosso and receives tourists interested in the natural beauty, Pantanal culture and economic activities linked to tourism.

During his speech, Diego also cited his family connection with Poconé, his father's hometown, and stated that improvements in the region's infrastructure must take into account the reality of families who depend on the highway.

“We need to guarantee investments and improvements for the Pantanal region, but it is also necessary to consider the reality of the families who use this highway every day,” he said.

The parliamentarian stated that there was technical planning by Sinfra to evaluate improvements to state highways, including the MT-060, but that the debate on the concession is currently suspended.

"The governor shows sensitivity. There was technical planning by Sinfra to assess the need for improvements to some highways, including the MT-060. But the governor clearly determined the suspension of this public hearing, and the matter will no longer be discussed at this time”, he stated.

Investments mentioned

In his speech, Diego Guimarães also mentioned State Government investments in the region, such as paving works, delivery of machinery to the municipality of Poconé and the construction of a new state school in the Chumbo district.

The deputy also cited the MT Trifásico program, originating from a law of his authorship, which provides for the expansion of the supply of three-phase energy in rural areas and should benefit the Transpantaneira region.

"I want to thank the governor for the investments that have been made in the region and for the tireless fights in favor of the population. I mention, for example, the MT Trifásico program, which will include Transpantaneira, bringing three-phase energy to the Pantanal", he stated.