Sindisan tries to deceive mayors and the population of Sergipe by spreading misinformation about the Deso concession

In yet another disrespectful and desperate action, the Union of Workers in the Water Purification and Distribution Industry and Sewage Services of the State of Sergipe (Sindisan) has been publishing untrue information about the concession of water distribution and sewage treatment services in the State of Sergipe. state of Sergipe. The objective of the concession is to ensure that water reaches the taps of all people in Sergipe and guarantee decent coverage in sewage treatment. This means bringing a better quality of life to the population from end to end of the state and also complying with the New Sanitation Legal Framework, which establishes targets for serving 99% of the population with drinking water and 90% with sewage collection and treatment by 2033.

Contrary to information disseminated by Sindisan, Sergipe already has the second most expensive water tariff in the Northeast and there is no need for adjustment. What is foreseen in Deso’s concession notice is only inflationary replacement, which is currently practiced by the Sergipe company. To give you an idea, the loss of drinking water in the State is 52%, that is, for every two liters of water that are paid for by the population, only one is consumed. But this reality will change because the target set for the future concessionaire is losses of at least 25%.

Studies by the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) indicate that, based on investments by the concessionaire responsible for distribution, the number of jobs will jump from 3,500 currently, to 8,000, certifying that there is no expectation of employee layoffs. In relation to the Voluntary Dismissal Program (PDV), it is a service established by the company through a collective agreement, without any interference. The POS is the worker’s right and it is up to him whether he adheres to it or not.

Regarding the social tariff, the notice does not establish a ceiling of 5%, as has been shared by the union. The concession provides that up to 5% is the concessionaire’s burden to guarantee and, only above 5%, the contract must be rebalanced as a whole, not just for those who receive the social tariff. Therefore, people who have the right to subscribe to the social tariff will be able to subscribe normally. It is worth noting that, currently, the population with rights acquired according to the rules are unable to adhere to the social tariff due to the slowness of the process. Despite the effort that Deso has made, only 1% of consumers are eligible for this rate.

Regarding the Autonomous Water and Sewage Service (SAAE) in the municipalities of Capela, Carmópolis, Estância and São Cristóvão, the general rule is that it can be extinguished, but the structure that will operate from the concession will be much larger, which will enable large investments so that water actually reaches the taps of the towns furthest from the cities. And, because of this change, the tariff will have a smooth adjustment over seven years, until it reaches the minimum rate charged throughout the State. SAAE employees may be relocated by the city hall or the concessionaire.

Sindisan also says that Deso will make a deficit with the charge of R$2.05 in the Unit Price (PU) of treated water, as established in the notice, but this is not true. BNDES studies show that this value is well above the estimate (R$ 1.38) and Deso’s inefficiency was included, precisely so that it does not have a break in the accounts to adapt to the new role. In other words, Deso will be capitalized to make the investments that need to be made in production and treatment.

The union also claims that the Government of Sergipe intends to transfer Deso’s surplus to the concessionaire, and this statement makes no sense. The government is passing on the most work-intensive sector to the concessionaire, because this is where the service requires expansion due to the capillarity of units not yet served with water supply and sewage treatment. On the other hand, Deso will receive a grant of R$190 million, as well as a credit line of R$300 million from Banco do Nordeste, to cover production and treatment investments.

Therefore, Sindisan seeks, at all costs, to misinform both the mayors and the population of Sergipe when sharing content about the company’s concession.