O Plano Regional Dispensa a Necessidade de Elaboração de Plano Municipal de Saneamento Básico?

The present study aims to discuss the necessity of elaborating the Municipal Basic Sanitation Plan, despite the existence of regional structures that might dispense it, such as the Regional Basic Sanitation Plan. The article addresses the issues related to the possible replacement of the Municipal Plan by the Regional Plan, highlighting the drawbacks in local planning process and the importance of municipal autonomy in managing sanitation services. More specifically, it seeks to explain the constitutional foundations that define the division of competencies among different federal levels; analyze the elaboration of the Municipal Plan and its minimum requirements; explore the structure and function of the Regional Plan, discussing regional arrangements and inter-federal cooperation; and argue about the essential role of the Municipal Plan in ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of sanitation services, even in a context of regionalization. The methodology used was exploratory and bibliographic, based on deductive reasoning. A literature review and analysis of legal documents were conducted to build an understanding of the necessity and benefits of elaborating the Municipal Plan, even if its implementation in the regional context is optional. The conclusion states that the Regional Plan can complement the Municipal one, but cannot replace it, as the latter is a vital instrument for local planning and ensures effective social participation.