The Brazilian government has unveiled a multi-billion dollar anti-poverty plan to provide jobs and infrastructure in the poorest parts of the country.

President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said the biggest cost to the country is not taxes, but poor people being forgotten.

The move comes months before important municipal polls are to be held across Brazil.

The programme, which is expected to have about US$6 billion spent in 2008, has to be approved by Congress.

The initiative, Territories of Citizenship, is intended to help aproximately 24 million people, including rural workers and the indigenous communities.