Sabesp pipe rupture in São Paulo underscores privatization risks

On July 20, a water pipe burst on Avenida Dona Belmira Marin in the Grajaú district of São Paulo’s south zone, releasing a large flow of water onto the street. Sabesp said the rupture was caused by a third‑party municipal drainage work, not by the company, and that supply to the area would be gradually restored by July 21.

Workers, trade unions and the Center for the Defense of the Working Class (CTB‑SP) have cited the incident as evidence of problems stemming from the recent privatization of Sabesp, a move championed by Governor Tarcísio de Freitas. They argue that profit‑driven management threatens the quality, maintenance and safety of water services for millions of residents.