Metodologia de avaliação de projetos de saneamento

Abstract

The Sanitation Law (Law 11.445/2007), a milestone in the way to improve the sanitary conditions in Brazil, establishes as a fundamental item the economic sustainability of water and wastewater services. Therefore, the design and modus operandi of these systems is a key issue and the assessment methods are important tools to support the decision-making process. The objective of this study was to propose a methodology for assessment of water and wastewater projects in Brazil. To that purpose, it was made a documentary analysis of the main references on the subject in Europe, US and Brazil as well as the World Bank, reference institution in leading project evaluations. Then, it was analyzed the specific issues of water and wastewater in Brazil, considering the premises and necessary information for carry out projects evaluation in the Brazilian context. As a result of this work, it was produced a manual and an electronic evaluation model for water and wastewater projects. The manual presents clearly and concisely the steps to be taken in the evaluation of projects and the electronic model allow working the quantitative aspects of the project under study. The model was tested in a case study and has proved its efficiency since it was able to provide enough information to support the decision-making process. The information produced allows the investor to allocate its resources in the most efficient way and choose between different alternatives that one which provides the best results. For the situation presented in the case study, implementation of wastewater system in the municipality of Miracema do Tocantins, the analysis made clear the financial infeasibility of the project, although economically viable, and the need to seek other project feasibility mechanisms.