Much has been said about the new program of the Federal Government that aims to open space for the participation of private companies in areas such as basic sanitation. On the part of the states, the announcement of the Investment Partnerships Program (PPI) of the National Development Bank (BNDES) was a success. At least two-thirds have signaled that they will join the program with their sanitation companies. Rio de Janeiro, Pará and Rondônia should already enter the first phase of the program. Espírito Santo and Bahia can be contemplated in a second phase.

The plan is seen as controversial by many and as a lifeline for states with budget problems, but what many experts argue is that, more important than debating first or second sector in basic sanitation, is to reinforce the idea of ​​complementarity between public enterprises And private in the water and sewage treatment service.
“Private initiative is not a panacea, but it is fundamental for Brazil to achieve the universalization of services,” said Fernando Santos Reis, president of Odebrecht Ambiental – the largest private sector company – in the last 9 years. “Since entering this market, we have never intended to replace public enterprises. The idea that always guided our activities was that of complementarity. ”

The data on sanitation in Brazil do not even deserve it and make guaranteeing access to basic sanitation one of the greatest challenges for public power in Brazil. More than 35 million Brazilians still do not have access to drinking water services, 100 million (or half the population) do not have a sewage service and only 40% of all sewage produced in Brazil is treated, according to data from With National Sanitation Information System (SNIS).