Basic sanitation in brazil – 1995 to 2020: Sector dynamics and governance

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the institutional changes in the sanitation sector in Brazil, since the 1990s, led by several municipalities in the country that were frustrated with the lack of meeting demands by the previous state model and that initiated a movement to implement private concessions, with the objective of universalizing water supply and sewage collection and treatment services in their territories. A process that led to the breaking of the monopoly of state sanitation companies and contributed to the advancement of private concessions and the modernization of sanitation in the country.Theoretical Framework: Historical sectoral/institutional analysis, based on statistical data, sectoral and company reports.Method: Analysis of historical evidence, based on an official database of basic sanitation statistics in Brazil, reports on the sectoral panorama and the main concessionary companies.Results and Discussion: The results obtained show that the initiative of municipalities in Brazil was decisive in breaking the state monopoly in the sanitation sector, and contributed to achieving universal service to the population with greater efficiency.Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are related to the importance of the pioneering action of municipalities, in a decentralized and democratic manner, to achieve the objectives of universalization in basic sanitation in the country with greater efficiency.Originality/Value: This is an original study, with an innovative approach and practical contributions, which contributes to the literature in areas such as sanitation, private concessions, public-private partnerships (PPPs), regional development and sustainable development.