A universalização do saneamento básico no interior do Amazonas à luz dos Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável

Abstract

The present study aims to understand the instruments arising from the new legal framework for basic sanitation in the process of achieving universal access to sanitation services in the interior of the state of Amazonas, in line with the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region. The research adopts a mixed methodological approach, including the collection and analysis of official indicators (SINISA), semi-structured interviews with public managers, an in-depth case study in the Immediate Geographic Region of Itacoatiara (RGII), as well as scenario construction, SWOT and PESTEL analyses, and the application of the Likert Scale. Initial analysis of the indicators reveals that, although urban water supply coverage reaches elevated levels, the indicators for sanitary sewage and selective waste collection show alarming results. In selective collection, municipal participation is low, with median values below the national average. In contrast, regular solid waste collection demonstrates better coverage, although final disposal still predominantly occurs in open dumpsites. The RGII case study evaluated the economic and financial viability of services using indicators like IN012 (financial performance) and IN101 (cash sufficiency). It was found that only the municipality of Itacoatiara demonstrated financial sustainability during the two years analysed. The other municipalities face high default rates, insufficient revenues, and operational deficiencies. Various management models were identified, including direct administration and autonomous services, all facing technical and financial limitations. Based on these findings, the study examines the instruments of the new regulatory framework, emphasizing regionalization as the main strategy for achieving universal access. It highlights Complementary Law No. 272/2025, which established the Basic Sanitation Microregion (MRSB) in Amazonas. For RGII, three regionalization scenarios were developed: (i) regionalized public management, (ii) private concession, and (iii) publicprivate partnership (PPP). The results indicate that the PPP model offers a slight advantage by combining the technical and financial capacity of the private sector with public control and objectives. The private concession model turned out to be efficient but tends to result in higher tariffs and less social sensitivity. Public management, in turn, would require substantial investment and would face significant institutional and operational challenges. Therefore, the study concludes that achieving universal sanitation coverage in the interior of the Amazonas depends not only on the new legal framework and regionalization, but also on a coordinated effort among federal entities and civil society. The adoption of integrated and participatory practices, along with the prioritization of the 2030 Agenda goals, is essential to overcome historical inequalities and promote socio-environmental justice.