This performance shows how important it is for us to act with a strong sense of our ideals and aware of risks. We continue to use a strategy of diversifying sources of financing and preserving cash to support our growth. In addition, we expanded operations with concessions in Ariquemes (RO), Bombinhas (SC), Serra (ES) and Vila Velha (ES), where we will bring our standards of operational efficiency and personnel management.
We also developed a structure to combat water losses. The goal is to lower rates of losses according to the guidelines of the new Loss Management and Control Division. We also intensified investments in power automation, smart engineering and pressure control in the system.
With a focus on training, we met our target of developing 400 employees at the Aegea Academy. We will continue to invest in corporate education to leverage the knowledge of our teams in the water and sanitation sectors, in addition to offering opportunities for personal and professional growth. In this sense, the Trainee Program is worth mentioning, which included 9,000 registrations in 2016, nearly twice the 5,000 registrations received in the previous edition.
Another differential is that all of our investments are supported by a corporate governance model underpinned by the principles of transparency, accountability and corporate responsibility. Compliance practices have also been constantly enhanced since our founding in 2010. So much so that in the fiscal year, with the aim of ensuring ethical action at all operations, we initiated the activities of the Integrity Management Group, made up of four internal professionals and one independent member.
New capital investments – with increased participation from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Fundo de Investimento em Participações (GIF) – show that we are on the right path and that our shareholders support our business model. In fact, to better communicate this model, this publication follows International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) principles along with other guidelines already adopted in previous years.
What drives us are the smiles on the faces of those we serve, who our activities provide with more health, dignity, comfort and well-being. For them, we pursue excellence in our operations and sustainable growth. We are a signatory of the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, a chance to exchange experiences and mature this theme internally. We have also instituted the Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Division, aimed at our employees’ quality of life, efficiency in natural resources, compliance with applicable legal requirements, social and environmental responsibility and better use of social investments – which, in addition to environmental education, will begin to foster income generation in communities. For example, a Hackathon was held by Águas de Guariroba, which awarded two software programs that we will use in our operations.
We continue to be optimistic that Brazil will see renewed growth, even with still tenuous signs of economic recovery. We are ready to maintain investments and continue contributing to the development of Brazil and Brazilians. What reinforces our confidence on this journey is being able to walk alongside employees, suppliers, the government, shareholders and users, to whom we extend our thanks for yet another year.
Thank you all very much.