Aegea Joins Federal Employment Program to Boost Inclusion

Aegea, a leading reference in basic sanitation in Brazil, has taken a significant step toward social responsibility. The holding company, which oversees Águas de Manaus, has officially adhered to the federal government's Acredita no Primeiro Passo (Believe in the First Step) program.

This initiative, launched by the Ministry of Social Development, Family, and Hunger Combat (MDS), focuses on promoting the productive insertion of individuals in social vulnerability. By connecting its operational scale to public policy, Aegea aims to generate prosperity in regions with the highest poverty indices.

The partnership was formalized on Friday, the 16th, in Teresina, Piauí. The agreement was established through a Protocol of Intentions signed directly with the MDS. The primary objective is to expand employability by allocating job vacancies to candidates originating from the Cadastro Único (Single Registry).

In Manaus, the operational execution of this partnership will be handled by Águas de Manaus. The company commits to reporting periodically on the progress of these hires, not only for itself but alongside other concessionaires within the Aegea group.

• Targeting women, youth, and black populations
• Inclusion of people with disabilities
• Support for traditional communities
• Integration with existing company programs

Leadership from both sides emphasized the transformative potential of this collaboration. Radamés Casseb, CEO of Aegea, highlighted the dual role of sanitation and social impact.

"We believe in the power of sanitation as a vector for development and inclusion. This partnership allows us to expand the reach of our social actions, generating shared prosperity, and collaborating with the national effort to generate employment and income, especially for those who need it most."

Minister Wellington Dias of the MDS noted the strategic reach of the company.

"It is a very powerful partnership. Now we will open the Cadastro Único, and the public of Bolsa Família and Social Registry will be able to participate in qualification for employment and entrepreneurship with the company. This will bring great results in overcoming poverty in Brazil."

This agreement is the first of its kind in the sanitation sector. It includes the designation of local and national focal points for management and integration with existing company initiatives. Aegea already operates programs focused on training and employability, such as "Pioneiros," which offers training to youth.

The company maintains continuous inclusion initiatives through the Social Tariff and actions focused on racial and gender equity via the program "Respeito Dá o Tom" (Respect Sets the Tone). Aegea's presence spans over 890 municipalities across 15 states, benefiting more than 39 million people.

Operating in the Amazonian capital since 2018, Águas de Manaus has transformed the local sanitation landscape. The company has guaranteed universal access to treated water in Manaus and is currently focused on universalizing sewage collection and treatment.

Through the "Trata Bem Manaus" program, launched in January 2023, the goal is to achieve full sanitation coverage by 2033. This involves implanting over 2.7 million meters of collection networks and constructing or reforming 70 treatment stations. Currently, 40% of the population has access to sewage services.

To ensure access for the most vulnerable, Águas de Manaus maintains specific tariff programs:

• Tarifa 10: Fixes the water and sewage bill at R$ 10
• Tarifa Manauara: Offers a 50% discount

Over 140,000 families currently benefit from these social tariffs.

The collaboration between Aegea and the Ministry of Social Development represents a structural shift in how private companies engage with federal social policies. By leveraging the extensive infrastructure of the sanitation sector, the program aims to reach populations that are often excluded from the formal economy.

As the partnership moves into the operational phase, the focus will be on the tangible integration of Cadastro Único beneficiaries into the workforce. This initiative serves as a model for future public-private collaborations, demonstrating that economic growth and social inclusion can be pursued simultaneously through strategic alignment.