>Carolina Pimentel
Reporter Agência Brasil

Brasília - In his fortnightly radio program, Breakfast with the President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also spoke of dealing with the highway situation. The president declared that the administration has earmarked US$1.592 billion (R$3.8 billion) for repairs. Lula said that much of the repair work will begin between July and September. One stretch of highway that will get special attention is the BR101 Sul, between Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, known as the Mercosur Highway. It will be duplicated, increasing the country's export-import capacity, besides giving tourism a boost.

Another important highway that will soon be duplicated is the Fernão Dias, that runs from São Paulo to Belo Horizonte. And a new highway, the BR116, linking São Paulo to southern Brazil, will soon be inaugurated, said the president.

Translator: Allen Bennett