Sanitation investments are Brazil’s bet for the post-pandemic economy. A bill against fake news to be voted on by the Senate. And the latest crisis in Rio de Janeiro.
How the government hopes to reactivate the economy
A new regulatory framework for sanitation services is the government’s gamble to attract investments and stimulate the economy in the post-pandemic period. The Economy Ministry hopes that the bill — which has been in discussion since the Michel Temer administration (2016-2018) — will finally be put to a vote late in June.
- Brazil’s sanitation sector is mainly controlled by state-owned companies. Allowing private corporations into the market would attract some BRL 700 billion in new investments, according to estimates.
Why it matters. Sewage services remain accessible to just 50 percent of the Brazilian population, while 35 million Brazilians have no access to treated water. Sanitation is not only an economic concern, it is also a human rights issue.
- The number of Covid-19 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants is significantly lower in areas with better sanitation coverage.
All set. During a webinar on May 29, Economy Minister Paulo Guedes said the new regulations bill is “ready,” and promised that Brazil would “dazzle” the world.
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