Pioneering Water Management in Campinas: An Inspiring Conversation with Manuelito Magalhães, CEO of Sanasa, Brazil

In a recent episode of the Exec Exchange 15-minute podcast, Piers Clark sat down with Manuelito Magalhães, CEO of Sanasa, to delve into the intricacies of managing water resources efficiently in the bustling city of Campinas, Brazil. As a leader with a rich background in economics and public service, Manuelito shared his journey and the innovative strides Sanasa is making in the water sector.

A Journey Rooted in Economics and Public Service

Manuelito Magalhães began his story by tracing his origins in the field of economics and his passion for public service. With numerous roles in various facets of Brazil’s public sector, he has consistently refined his skills and insights in water and sanitation projects. His roles have ranged from positions in the Health Ministry to directorships in Sabesp, one of the world’s largest water utilities, before taking the helm at Sanasa.

Sanasa: A City-Owned Leader in Utility Management

Sanasa stands as a testament to effective public-private partnerships in the Brazilian sanitation sector. With a significant presence in Campinas, the company serves over 1.2 million inhabitants, making strides in water and wastewater treatment coverage. Manuelito explained that Sanasa’s strong performance in non-revenue water, which is significantly below the national average, marks it as an exception in the country. This achievement is critical in a nation where access to treated water and waste management is still a challenge for millions.

Focusing on Efficiency and Innovation

As a leader, Manuelito emphasized the importance of fiscal discipline combined with innovative practices. He outlined his commitment to serving lower-income residents and reducing non-revenue water through cutting-edge technology. A particularly fascinating development is the partnership with Amanco Wavin and Microsoft, through which Sanasa employs sensors across the city’s pipelines to monitor and manage water pressure and potential leaks, at no additional cost to the company.

Navigating Legislative Changes and Community Needs

The conversation also touched on the legislative changes in 2020 that encouraged private sector involvement in Brazil’s water sector. Despite these shifts, Sanasa has maintained its public utility status, thanks to its history of effective service and strong customer satisfaction. Manuelito noted the historical resilience of Campinas in overcoming health crises, which he believes fortifies the city’s support for Sanasa as a public entity.

Pioneering Water Reuse and Security

In addressing water security, Sanasa has been a pioneer in sewage treatment at the tertiary level, producing reuse water with high purity. Manuelito shared exciting plans for the future, including the completion of a third water reuse plant, poised to be one of the largest globally. This facility will significantly enhance industrial and civic applications, such as fire fighting and park maintenance, thus boosting sustainable water management in the region.

Looking to the Future: Advice for Aspiring Leaders

Concluding the insightful discussion, Piers Clark posed an intriguing hypothetical: what advice would Manuelito give to a younger version of himself? His response was both humble and profound, emphasizing the importance of staying connected with the people and understanding public expectations as a guiding principle for any leader in public service.

The conversation between Piers Clark and Manuelito Magalhães not only highlighted the innovative practices within Sanasa but also underscored the broader aspirations of achieving universal access to clean water and sanitation in Brazil. Leaders in the water sector worldwide can draw inspiration and insights from Sanasa’s journey, as its CEO passionately champions efficiency, innovation, and community service.