The legal framework for basic sanitation (PL 4,162 / 2019), approved by the Federal Senate on June 24, increases the investment of R $ 23 billion to universalize the service in the state of Rio. The analysis is from Firjan, which released the “ Panorama of Sanitation in the State of Rio de Janeiro ”, emphasizing that the measure creates adequate conditions for the participation of the private sector and intensifies the possibilities of investing resources.

According to Firjan, the investment mainly improves the quality of life of the population and can bring an additional R $ 29 billion to the economy, generate 325 thousand jobs and save R $ 98 billion in health costs.

"We can't wait any longer. We need to resolve these issues about sanitation that affect a huge portion of the population and get Brazil out of more than a century of delay. Efficient sanitation management is also essential for economic development and has enormous potential to accelerate the post-pandemic recovery movement ", emphasizes the president of Firjan, Eduardo Eugenio Gouvêa Vieira.

The federation points out that the investment aimed at basic sanitation in the state is based on the goal established by the National Basic Sanitation Plan (Plansab) by 2033. The application of resources in 22 municipalities that did not provide information to the National Information System was not considered. on Sanitation (SNIS).

State has only 34% of treated sewage 

According to the Firjan study, to guarantee the goal of sewage collection and treatment in the state, investments totaling R $ 19 billion are required. Today, according to SNIS, the collection reaches 67% of the population and 31 municipalities offer the service to less than 50% of the residents. 34% of sewage is treated and 54 cities treat less than 50%.

The water supply target, on the other hand, depends on R $ 4 billion. Currently, the service reaches 90% of the state's population and nine cities have coverage for less than 50% of residents.

Firjan points out that Bill 4.162 / 2019 establishes the implementation of standards and referential guidelines by the National Water Agency (ANA), the prohibition of new program contracts, the provision of services by entities external to the municipal administration through bidding and Union support for the formation of municipal “blocks”. As a result, it provides regulatory standardization, promotion of competition and encourages regionalized service provision. The Bill awaits presidential sanction.