Praia, Sept. 2, 2025 (Lusa) - Cabo Verde's prime minister acknowledged on Tuesday that the reconstruction of the island of São Vicente, affected by the storm that caused nine deaths, will require a large amount of money, mostly in infrastructure, and that the government was mobilising internal and external resources.
"The bulk of the investment that will have to be made will require many millions," said Ulisses Correia e Silva, who is visiting São Vicente for the second time since the 11 August storm, stressing that the government is creating a programme to "support families, those who have lost property and economic activity - from small traders to large companies - including subsidies for lost vehicles”.
The head of government stressed that the bulk of the investment will be made in infrastructure and that he was committed to mobilising internal and external resources.
Ulisses Correia e Silva defended the need to unite efforts, conduct political education, and involve as many people from Cabo Verde's nation as possible, both at home and abroad, including the diaspora, to provide the necessary answers for the island's reconstruction.
After the disaster, he emphasised, the moment calls for unity, motivation and trust, not political exploitation.
"This is not the time to divide people for opportunistic interests, but to convey positive messages and pool energies. All parties must contribute," he added.
The prime minister said that the focus is on supporting families in resuming economic activity and strengthening the island's drainage system.
With the start of the new school year scheduled for 15 September, the priority will be to recover the schools affected by the rains.
"We have identified the need to resume classes. The institutions affected are also being repaired to restore normality," he said.
Ulisses Correia e Silva drew attention to clandestine constructions, especially on streams and hillsides, a problem present throughout the country.
The prime minister is making a three-day visit to São Vicente, with an agenda that includes meetings, visits to infrastructure, companies and affected communities and direct contacts with families and small businesses.
The health minister, Jorge Figueiredo, is also travelling to the island to reinforce health surveillance and prevent possible disease outbreaks.
The storm flooded neighbourhoods, destroyed roads, bridges and shops, affected the power supply and caused nine deaths, with two people still missing.
As a result, the government declared a six-month disaster in São Vicente, Porto Novo (Santo Antão) and São Nicolau municipalities.
A response plan was approved, providing emergency support for families and economic activities, including subsidised credit lines and non-repayable funds, financed by the National Emergency Fund and the Sovereign Emergency Fund, established in 2019.
RS/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
