Regulação de serviços de abastecimento público de água: proposta de modelagem aos municípios inseridos na região metropolitana do sudoeste maranhense

Abstract

This dissertation analyzed basic sanitation in the Metropolitan Region of Southwestern Maranhão (RMSM), focusing on water supply regulation and proposing a regulatory model to improve services provided by CAEMA. Using a descriptive exploratory approach and data from the SNIS, indicators such as investments, tariffs, metering, revenue losses, macrometering, and water coverage were evaluated across ten municipalities in the RMSM. The results highlight challenges such as low investments, high losses, insufficient metering, and the absence of macrometering. Water coverage varies widely, with some municipalities nearing universal access while others face severe deficiencies. The study emphasizes the importance of the new legal framework (Law No. 14,026/2020) and the State Basic Sanitation Policy (Law No. 8,923/2009). It proposes the Sunshine regulation model, based on transparency and public disclosure of performance indicators, to encourage continuous improvement through social accountability. The proposal includes steps such as planning, ensuring data quality and credibility, effective communication, and systematic indicator organization. The conclusion is that Sunshine regulation has the potential to transform sanitation services in the RMSM by fostering transparency and efficiency. However, it requires the commitment of all stakeholders, investments in infrastructure, and capacity-building to achieve sustainability and universal access.