The Maranhão Justice system has issued a daily fine against both the Buriticupu City Hall and the Companhia de Saneamento Ambiental do Maranhão (Caema) due to their failure to ensure a regular water supply in the municipality. This action was in response to a request from the Maranhão Public Ministry (MP-MA), after local residents faced water shortages for 14 years. The court set the fine at R$ 5,000 per day, which could accumulate to R$ 100,000 until the issue is addressed.

In 2012, the MP-MA had filed a civil action to resolve the water supply crisis affecting approximately 1,000 families in Buriticupu. Despite the court's order, the situation remains unresolved, prompting judges to intensify pressure on local authorities to act promptly. They have mandated that the mayor and the head of Caema provide proof of compliance within the next 15 days, signaling the urgency of tackling this long-standing issue.

This legal decision highlights ongoing challenges with public utilities in Brazil, particularly in smaller municipalities where infrastructure lag can significantly affect residents' quality of life. The case reflects broader concerns regarding governance and accountability, illustrating the importance of legal recourse in advocating for essential services like water supply in Brazilian cities.