Água e saneamento básico como direitos fundamentais: a universalização do direito à água e o esgotamento sanitário na cidade de Manaus.

Abstract

The research aims to analyze the provision of water supply and sewage services in the city of Manaus, privatized in 2000 with the initial promise of improving efficiency and universal access. The study focuses on analyzing and investigating the guarantee of fundamental rights guaranteed by the Federal Constitution of 1988, in particular the dignity of the human person since without access to water there is no need to talk about a dignified life. The general objective seeks to analyze the concession contract for the water supply and sewage system in the city of Manaus and verify whether the goals stipulated in the contract are in compliance with the universalization of the service in compliance with the New Basic Sanitation Framework. And the first specific objective of the work is to relate the right to access to water and sanitation with Fundamental Rights constitutionally provided for in the Constitution with the need to develop simple measures capable of guaranteeing universal and equitable access for all. Analyzing the quality of service provision available to the population residing in the city of Manaus and the future perspectives for the problem of access to water and basic sanitation comprise the second specific objective. The third specific objective of the research is to examine whether the universalization goals proposed in the concession contract with the company Águas de Manaus are being carried out effectively, in order to evaluate its effectiveness in providing the service in order to protect the fundamental rights of the population. The research used a qualitative and descriptive approach, based on bibliographical review, documentary analysis of national and international legislation, investigation of public civil actions and parliamentary commissions of inquiry. The research found that sewage coverage is still insufficient and access to drinking water is a challenge in several regions of the city, suggesting that the benefits of privatization were not distributed equitably. It is crucial to emphasize that the administration of water and sanitation services must prioritize fundamental human rights. Universal access to drinking water and sanitation should ensure health, social equality and dignity, but the lack of effective and inclusive governance makes it difficult to realize these rights in Manaus.