Africa-Press – Cape verde. The government is working to provide support as quickly as possible to fishing and fisheries operators affected by the damage caused by the rains of August 11th. This assurance was given this Friday by the Minister of the Sea, Jorge Santos, during a visit to the Mindelo Fish Market and after meeting with fishermen, fishmongers, and fish handlers.
“So, now we’re conducting the survey. We have to obtain the materials on the domestic market, including some of the engines that aren’t available on the domestic market. They have to be purchased abroad, which takes longer. But we’ll meet the bulk of the needs domestically. That’s why today’s meeting was important, because it’s further living proof of the need, and as you can see, these are hard-working people who feel the need to get back on their feet. Therefore, we’re here to provide this support on behalf of the government,” he stated.
According to the official, the losses recorded are significant and widespread, affecting virtually all participants in the sector.
“The damage to this sector is significant. We are currently developing a proposal based on the government’s resolutions. First, we need to replace all the equipment lost in the storm—whether it’s chests, outboard motors, or fishing nets. Second, we need to replace the lost fish. They lost hundreds of kilos of fish, both here in the city and in Salamansa and São Pedro. Third, they lost their economic activity. This activity needs to be restored,” he assured.
According to the governor, the preliminary assessment indicates hundreds of operators directly affected, a number that continues to grow as new cases are reported.
Last week, the government announced a set of social and economic measures, already published in the Official Gazette, to support families and boost São Vicente’s economic recovery following Storm Erin.
The support also extends to informal trade operators, including those working in markets and fairs, fishing, agriculture and livestock, with the granting of a monthly social income of 30,000 escudos for three months.
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