Business owners in São Fidélis are debating the increase in water bills.

Selling the water could cause significant losses for the municipality.

In response to Mayor Amarildo Alcântara's unilateral decision to sell São Fidélis' public water supply, the community, along with the union representing sanitation workers in the North and Northwest regions, has been mobilizing to alert residents of São Fidélis about the increase in water bills in the municipality.

This Thursday (October 30th), merchants met at the Commercial, Industrial and Agricultural Association of São Fidélis to discuss the potential negative consequences of a possible privatization of Cedae in the municipality. The meeting was attended by the president of Staecnon/RJ, Hélio Anomal, the vice-president, Josemar Violante, as well as workers and representatives of society.

"Water is life, and life is not for sale. Water must be a public good! We understand that such an important decision must be made with the involvement and participation of everyone, including the merchants who contribute to the economic development of the municipality and, above all, the people of Fidelis," said Hélio Anomal.

During the meeting, a number of important issues were addressed. Comparative tables were shown demonstrating the differences in tariff values charged by private companies in other municipalities, which are much higher than what is charged in São Fidélis. Since Cedae is a public company, it is the state's duty to serve the population with a cheaper tariff, investing in more needy areas and subsidizing resources for the maintenance of cities that collect less revenue.

It's worth highlighting that, with Cedae, no public building pays a water bill, saving millions for the São Fidélis city coffers. Conversely, with the sale of water in the municipality, hospitals, health centers, schools, daycare centers, as well as government offices and all other public buildings will have to pay, thus shifting the cost to the city and ultimately benefiting the residents of São Fidélis.

“The private sector will never offer free water; the water currently provided by Cedae will be charged for, and the cost will be passed on to the suffering population. First, they come saying it will be cheaper, and then there's no one left to complain to! Like with Enel, if you don't pay, they simply cut off the service. Not to mention the exorbitant fees for connection, reconnection, water metering, and the money from the residents of Fidelis that will be taken from our city.” – Said Josemar Violante.

As a result of the meeting, the business owners agreed that it is not the mayor's role to decide such an important issue for the municipality alone. Therefore, it was decided that the debate should be broadened so that the City Council and the public can be heard through a Public Hearing, which will also have the support of the OAB (Brazilian Bar Association) and the Lions Club.

COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION

Next week, there will be a large mobilization in the Chatuba neighborhood (at the sports court), one of the communities that will be most affected by the privatization of water.