The Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul has awarded a contract to Soluções Terceirizados to build, operate, and maintain a new prison in Erechim.

The facility, spanning 10.4 ha with two modules of 26,000 sq m each, will provide a total of 1.2 thousand inmate spaces. The initiative prioritizes resocialization by offering inmates opportunities for work, education, and social reintegration, coupled with the integration of technology in prison management. A key improvement involves relocating the prison to a remote area, situated between the ERS-135 and BR-153 highways, aligning with security guidelines and addressing the local community's preferences in Erechim.

The project was developed in collaboration with the Secretariat of Partnerships and Concessions (Separ) and the Secretariat of Penal and Socio-Educational Systems (SSPS), with support from the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES). The estimated investment for this initiative is BRL 149 million (USD29 million). The responsible entity will handle the construction and operation of the prison, encompassing facility maintenance, cleaning, and logistical support for inmate movement. The projected annual investment in the operation stands at BRL 50.5 million (USD10 million). Besides BNDES, the project received support from the IDB, the Federal Investment Partnership Program (PPI), and nine consulting firms from Brazil, the Netherlands, and Portugal, all of which contributed significantly throughout the process.