Praia, June 5, 2026 (Lusa) - Cabo Verde's government announced support measures on Thursday for the 52 traders who lost goods and suffered other losses in Sunday’s fire at the Ponta Belém street market, which specialises in ready-to-wear clothing, in the centre of the capital, Praia.

According to the resolution published in the Official Gazette, each informal trader will be eligible for Emergency Solidarity Income, amounting to 30,000 escudos (€272) per month, for a period of two months, as well as a non-repayable financial grant, in addition to the amount announced by Praia City Council, of 25,000 escudos (€226) for each drum of goods.

Shipments of goods sent in drums by emigrants are one way to support families whose income is earned in these markets.

According to Eurico Monteiro, Minister for Investment Promotion and Business Development, payments could begin next week, and the duration of the support “seems reasonable for the purchase of materials and items needed to resume business”.

The minister was speaking at the end of a meeting with traders at the Government Palace.

The government will provide access to a credit line with a subsidised interest rate, alongside tax relief for formal traders directly affected by the same fire, due to their adjacent location.

Praia City Council announced on Tuesday that it would allocate 109,000 euros to restore the market and distribute direct aid.

According to the council, the fire “is believed to have been started by three children who set fire to a mattress near the market” and the flames spread rapidly, reaching the stalls selling clothing, containers and other goods belonging to the traders, as well as an adjacent building.

LFO/ADB // ADB.

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