Court determines supply of energy and water to 42 families in Fernando de Noronha

Court determines supply of energy and water to 42 families in Fernando de Noronha | Living Noronha

1 of 2 Court determines that residents have the right to water and energy connections — Photo: Stefano Santana/Personal collection

Court rules that residents have the right to water and energy connections — Photo: Stefano Santana/Personal collection

The Court of Justice of Pernambuco (TJPE) determined, this Wednesday (3), the supply of electricity and drinking water to 42 families in Fernando de Noronha. The decision was directed to Neoenergia, Companhia Pernambucana de Saneamento (Compesa) and the Island Administration, which have a maximum period of 72 hours, from the subpoena, to establish the services.

The decision was made by the island’s judge, João José Rocha Targino, who accepted the public civil action authored by prosecutor Ivo Lima. The representative of the Public Ministry of Pernambuco (MPPE) received requests from residents, who filed a request and were not responded to by the responsible companies or the local government.

“We understand, based on legislation, that water and energy are essential rights, regardless of property ownership. This is a violation of human rights,” declared the prosecutor.

2 of 2 Prosecutor Ivo Lima is the author of the action — Photo: Ana Clara Marinho/TV Globo

Prosecutor Ivo Lima is the author of the action — Photo: Ana Clara Marinho/TV Globo

In October last year, the Pernambuco Public Ministry held a hearing and received a series of complaints from residents. They reported that, as they did not have the Term of Permission and Use (TPU) for the areas where they lived, their request for water and energy supply was denied.

“One of the citizens even highlighted that he is unable to turn on the nebulizer for a sick child, as the power is low, and he faces the problem of having to wait for neighbors to be able to supply their homes with water and only then have his service offered, as it is the last house”, reported the court decision.

The judge indicated that, If the determination is not carried out, Neoenergia, Compesa and the Fernando de Noronha Administration must pay a daily fine of R$10,000, both for the companies and the local government.

g1 contacted Neoenergia to find out if it had received the TJPE’s determination. The company responded, in a note, that it was not notified of the preliminary decision until the time of publication of this report. Upon receipt, the terms of the court order will be analyzed by the company.

Compesa and the Administration of Fernando de Noronha were also questioned by g1 to find out what measures will be taken after the decision, but they did not send responses until the last update of this report.