Praia, Aug. 19, 2025 (Lusa) - The Cabo Verdean government announced on Tuesday that water production on the island of São Vicente has reached 325 tonnes per hour, following the repair of two motor pumps and the reinforcement of the desalination plant after the storm, which tragically claimed nine lives.
In a statement, the government said that “work to repair infrastructure affected by heavy rains in São Vicente is making significant progress, with water production now at around 325 tonnes per hour”.
This result stems from the repair of two of the four pumps at the João Ribeiro water intake station in the Chã de Alecrim area and the operation of two back-up units at the Matiota desalination plant, which have increased the production capacity of drinking water.
Technical teams from the Electricity and Water Company (Electra) are continuing work today to repair another pump, which will further boost production.
Water distribution to the population is expected to begin on Thursday, in phases and in accordance with operational plans, while supply through public taps resumed on Monday.
Teams suspended production after flooding from a landslide caused by heavy rains inundated the seawater intake substation.
The floods, which occurred a week ago, left neighbourhoods flooded, destroyed roads and bridges, commercial establishments and affected the power supply, and one person remains missing.
The Cabo Verdean government has declared a state of emergency for six months in São Vicente, Porto Novo (Santo Antão) and the two municipalities of São Nicolau.
In addition, the authorities have approved a strategic response plan that includes emergency support for families, as well as for economic activities, with subsidised credit lines and non-repayable grants, justifying the decision with the “dramatic, exceptional situation”.
The government will use resources from the National Emergency Fund and the Sovereign Emergency Fund, created in 2019 precisely to respond to natural disasters or the impact of external economic shocks.
A Portuguese Navy ship docked on Friday in São Vicente with 56 military personnel, debris removal equipment, a desalination plant for the hospital and drones to collect aerial images in areas that are challenging to access, as well as divers and teams prepared to support the population.
RS/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
