Source: Ninemsn
Work on a huge, controversial dam in Brazil's Amazon is to begin by September at the latest, despite furious opposition from indigenous and environmental groups, Energy Minister Marcio Zimmerman says.
"This is the most-planned plant in the world. We have done five years of environmental studies and we can't wait any longer," Zimmerman said on Friday, according to the Agencia Estado news agency.
Construction of the Belo Monte hydroelectric dam was awarded on Tuesday to a consortium led by a state electricity agency over protests from indigenous communities that are to be displaced and environmental activists.
"Avatar" director James Cameron has also lent his weight to the opposition, saying the row over the dam paralleled the natives-versus-exploiters storyline of his blockbuster movie.
But Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has said the dam was essential to meeting Brazil's growing energy needs in the 21st century.
He also said $US1.9 billion ($A2.05 billion) of the $US11.2 billion ($A12.08 billion) cost of the dam was going to allay the environmental impact and to help indigenous communities and other locals who will be moved from the area to be flooded.
