Praia, Dec. 18, 2025 (Lusa) - Cabo Verde's government launched a project with Japan's support on Thursday to expand drinking water supply, increase water efficiency, and raise production capacity on the island of Santiago by more than 70%.
‘This is a structural investment that fulfils the government's programme, in a commitment to the island of Santiago, with a high amount and a significant impact on families and economic activity,’ said Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva at the launch ceremony in the city of Praia.
The project, financed to the tune of $100 million (around €85 million), aims to achieve 100% drinking water coverage for Cabo Verde's families and reduce ‘still high’ technical losses.
‘We will be increasing production capacity in Santiago by more than 70%, which is significant. Two factors are essential for sustainable development: water and energy. We have been investing in these sectors to achieve the targets set, including 35% of electricity production from renewable sources as early as next year,’ added the head of government, highlighting the importance of Japan as a strategic partner.
The project covers the southern and northern areas of the island of Santiago and includes two desalination plants, storage reservoirs, pumping stations, pressure chambers, and seawater intakes with pumps.
The Japanese ambassador to Cabo Verde, Akamatsu Takeshi, said that the construction of the desalination plant and water distribution network would stabilise supply and improve access to drinking water in four municipalities in the south-west of the island.
‘This is an essential step towards building a safer and more resilient society, preserving limited groundwater resources in an island nation vulnerable to climate change. Japan's goal is not limited to building infrastructure: it is about improving daily life and promoting sustainable growth,’ he said.
The project will be implemented by the National Water and Sanitation Agency (ANAS), which will act as the managing entity and be responsible for the work, with a 34-month deadline, and the contract will be awarded to Toyota Tsusho Corporation.
Water shortages have been a recurring problem in Praia, affecting all neighbourhoods of the capital, which has 145,000 inhabitants.
In November, families living in the capital of Cabo Verde, Praia, reported to Lusa that they had not received water from the network, in some cases for months, despite continuing to pay monthly bills to the supply company.
RS/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
