Compesa, the Pernambuco sanitation company, has had its conviction upheld by the First Chamber of the Regional Court in Caruaru after leaks and infiltrations from their sewage system occurred in a customer’s home in Garanhuns. The decision, made unanimously on February 6, confirmed that the company's negligence in maintaining its infrastructure led to significant damage to the customer’s property. This ruling comes after Compesa appealed against the initial decision to compensate the affected resident.

The judicial ruling states that the consumer will receive R$ 55,000, which breaks down into R$ 25,000 for damages—R$ 15,000 for material damages and R$ 10,000 for moral damages—and an additional R$ 30,000 fine due to the company's non-compliance with an urgent injunction requiring immediate repairs of the leaks and property structure. This substantial financial penalty reflects the court's approach to hold Compesa accountable for its responsibilities regarding public health and safety.

This case highlights crucial issues regarding the accountability of public utility companies in Brazil and their obligations to maintain safe and efficient services. With residents increasingly affected by poor infrastructure, the ruling serves as a reminder to Compesa and similar organizations about the importance of timely maintenance and effective customer service, particularly in regions like Garanhuns where such problems can severely impact quality of life.