Sustainability r e p o r t - Sabesp

Victory of the life, health, and environment values with theprovision of water and sewage services to Favela da LinhaEC9 The issue of whether or not installing water and sewage systems in illegallyoccupied areas has been a concern for a long time for us. If on the one hand thereis legislation that interdicts installing these systems in illegally occupied areas, as aprotection of the private property principle, on the other hand the Federal Constitutionand other statutes highlight the importance of the values of respect for life, health, andthe environment.In this context, installing water and sewage systems in illegally occupied areas has notbeen an easy task. In the case of Favela da Linha, there was an important victory of thelife, health, and environment values. As the occupation of the area is illegal (there is anacquisitive prescription proceeding in progress with Federal Courts), public investmentscould not have been made without proper court authorization. This authorization wasonly possible thanks to our partnering with the NGO Instituto Acaia, which obtainedfrom federal courts a permit to install the systems.Integration ParkCycling track in the Zilda Arns Integration Park.EC8 The Zilda Arns Integration Park, built in the land of the Rio Claro Watermain, inthe region from Sapopemba to São Mateus, is a linear, open space, integrated with theneighboring community and public institutions. Its main objectives are promotingand improving the quality of life of the neighboring population, permit a better useof our watermain land, create a green area to improve the microclimate and regulatetemperature in the region, and preserve our assets. With an investment of R$22 million,the park has cycling and walking tracks, and equipment for cultural, sports and leisureactivities, bathrooms, community policy centers, and 3,000 trees. Opened in January 16,2010, the park has a total area of approximately 224,000 square meters, which makesit the 10th largest public park of city, with 7,470 meters in length. It is one of the mostcomplete socio-environmental parks in the city because it is the only linear one, and thislong. Because it is totally integrated in a densely occupied urban area, it will benefit apopulation estimated in more than 250,000 people.After obtaining the permit, it was possible to install 397 meters of water and sewagesystems, make 284 connections, and install of 257 water meters (UMA), benefiting1,005 people.A t the same time, Participação Comunitária MC and Instituto Acaia worked close withthe inhabitants to clarify doubts and convince them of the importance of the newconnections in terms of quality of life, health, and citizenship. Several statements fromresidents of Favela da Linha showed appreciation for the installation of the systems,and with the monthly bill, the residents are now able to make proof of address, whichfacilitates their relations with the rest of society.In brief, it is an important precedent that will guide other similar actions toward havinguniversal water and sewage services, especially in less favored areas, all to the benefit ofenvironmental sanitation, quality of life, health, and the environment.148 Relatório de Sustentabilidade 2009 149