Botafogo Beach in Rio Suffers from Garbage, Sewage Build-up

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – ‘I got nauseous from the smell at various points,’ says activist Vladimir Brichta, who flew over the area in a helicopter and claims that even at 300 meters the smell is overwhelming.

On the eve of St. Sebastian’s Day (January 20th) celebrations, the patron saint of Rio is in need of many blessings. Even the waters that are shown on one of the most iconic postcards of the city have become a symbol of neglect.

Botafogo Beach seems to have become a sewage depot, supplied by decades of broken promises and abandoned projects to clean up Guanabara Bay. Over the last two days, a sea of dirt has taken over the sand, disappointing tourists who, despite the rain, were looking for the best angle to take pictures of Sugar Loaf.

On the right hand corner of the beach, facing boats and yachts, the rivers Banana Podre and Berquó flow. Dark spots clouded their waters , this Friday morning spoiling a stretch of the shoreline that should be dazzling, despite the fact that there is a treatment unit close by.

The smell of organic matter was strong, although the Rio-Águas Foundation, of the municipality, reported that the plant has been functioning normally.