São Paulo lawmakers push to reverse Sabesp privatization and tighten noise rules

State deputy Carlos Giannazi (PSOL) submitted a bill to the São Paulo Legislative Assembly aiming to suspend the recent privatization of Sabesp, the state's water and sewage provider. Giannazi argues the privatization has led to water shortages, tariff hikes and service problems, citing a recent pipe rupture that left parts of Guarulhos without water. If approved, the proposal would revoke the law that transferred control of Sabesp to private shareholders and could halt any ongoing privatization processes.

Mayor Ricardo Nunes sent a proposal to the city council to strengthen enforcement of the Urban Silence Program (PSIU). The draft would expand noise‑monitoring powers to residential areas, allow immediate work stoppages for noisy construction at night, and enable the municipal guard or police to halt noisy venues. Penalties range from warnings to fines of up to R$ 11,000 and possible closure of repeat offenders. The mayor says the changes respond to a surge in citizen complaints about nighttime noise.

Both initiatives reflect growing public pressure on São Paulo officials to protect essential services and improve quality of life for residents.