Participation and social control in sanitation within the context of the reparation of damage from the disasters in Mariana and Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

The disasters that occurred in Mariana and Brumadinho, in addition to the enormous loss of human lives and environmental damage, also generated impacts on the water supply, in the springs, thereby causing catchment to become unachievable, in some cases for a long period of time, and in the infrastructures, in the territories and municipalities along the basins of the Doce and Paraopeba Rivers. The impacts and damage resulting from disasters cause substantial disruption and may foster social mobilization and participation throughout these territories. This study seeks to analyze the perspectives of social participation and social control in basic sanitation in the agreements related to the reparation of damage resulting from the collapse of the Fundão dam, in Mariana, Brazil, under the responsibility of Samarco, and of the Córrego do Feijão dam, in Brumadinho, Brazil, under the responsibility of Vale. Inconsistencies and gaps have been identified in the strategies adopted by the government aimed at participation and social control in sanitation in both disasters, thereby potentially compromising the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation.