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Inaugurated Seven Months Ago, World Cup Arena Pantanal Is Closed for Repairs

01/23/2015 - 09h30

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HELSON FRANÇA
COLLABORATION FOR FOLHA, FROM CUIABÁ (MT)

Inaugurated seven months ago, the Pantanal Arena, in Cuiabá, was closed by the State government of Mato Grosso for repairs.

The arena was entirely built with public funds. It costed $231 million and it has hosted four World Cup matches.

The arena's power grid is defective. There are also leakage problems and flooding. According to the State government, it cannot host any event.

Secretary of Strategic Projects Gustavo Oliveira said "its actual condition brings risk to the public". Part of the lining was affected by moisture and risks collapsing.

The companies that provided the construction material to the arena will make the necessary repairs identified by government engineers and the State's Civil Defence and Fire Brigade representatives.

According to Oliveira, if it is proved there was a maintenance failure, the Government will pay for part of the repairs.

The costs shall be defined only on Saturday (24), after a meeting with representatives of suppliers.

They expect the repairs to be completed by early February, so the arena can host the first Mato Grosso State's championship match.

The rains have aggravated the leakage through the roof. It has damaged the pitch and affected the electrical installation.

Experts identified 12 critical points inside the stadium. In these spots, such as in the power substation, repairs will be required. The drainage system also needs fixing to contain floods.

FATAL SHOCK

In November last year, a police mare died after being electrocuted at the arena. The animal was in the outside area when a bare wire caused the shock.

Since the event, no game was held at the venue.

Oliveira said the problem has already been solved and there is no risk of happening again.

Arena Pantanal has a seating capacity of 43,000. It was not been completely finished by contractor Mendes Júnior so far and it hosted only 12 official games and some music concerts after the World Cup.

Oliveira blames Silval Barbosa's (PMDB Party) previous administration for the problems in the arena, claiming lack of maintenance.

Former head of the World Cup projects in Mato Grosso Maurício Guimarães could not be found to comment on this article.

Translated by JULIANA CALDERARI

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