On Thursday, the state government of Pará officially announced the commencement of operations for the newly established concessionaire Águas do Pará, which will manage water supply and sanitation services in Santarém and other municipalities in the surrounding area. The announcement was made during a press conference where its president, André Facó, emphasized the ongoing challenges Brazil faces regarding adequate access to clean water and sewage treatment. Facó pointed out that millions of Brazilians are still lacking essential sanitation services, an issue that remains largely unaddressed in public discourse.

Facó highlighted that, while sanitation is a critical need, it often goes unnoticed in discussions of public health and infrastructure. He claimed that the state government’s efforts are crucial in bringing attention to the sanitation crisis, which he referred to as 'invisible,' especially in Pará. The announcement of this new service model aims to change that narrative and improve the quality of life for residents in the region by ensuring that sanitation services are prioritized.

The operational model implemented by the state is a concession system, which Facó stressed should not be confused with privatization. This model allows for public management of essential services while encouraging private investment and efficiency in operations. The introduction of Águas do Pará marks a significant step toward addressing the pressing sanitation challenges in Santarém and represents a model that could be replicated in other parts of Brazil that are facing similar issues.