Africa-Press – Cape verde. In a statement sent to Inforpress, the former mayor justified his remarks by the need to reestablish the truth in the face of what he considers a repetitive discourse that presents old debts as “new,” when there are known financial mechanisms for their regularization.
The former mayor emphasized that, during his term, the Ribeira Brava city hall could have resorted to bank loans, but did not do so out of “conscience and a sense of responsibility” towards future generations.
José Martins clarified that the municipality’s bank debts date back to successive terms since 2004 and that, during his administration (2020-2024), the largest current debt left was less than 10,000 contos, related to the works at the Chanzinha field.
Comparatively, he recalled that, upon taking office, he inherited a debt of 20,000 contos from the Maiamona pavilion, which he resolved “without public complaints.”
José Martins also criticized the current municipal government, supported by the PAICV in the Municipal Assembly, stating that, despite an increase of approximately 17 million escudos in government transfers since 2024, the council has opted to create “huge salaries” and dismiss workers with many years of service.
Regarding the Preguiça desalination plant’s solar park, the former mayor emphasized that the project has a six-year amortization plan, agreed with the company RIC Energy, and that the council carried out all the planned physical works, in addition to an advance payment of approximately 60,000 euros, with co-financing from the government under the NEX Energy program.
He also highlighted the project’s financial gains, pointing out that the monthly energy bill has decreased from approximately 1,500-2,000 escudos to approximately 300,000 escudos, representing savings of more than 1,000 escudos per month.
The former mayor emphasized that the desalination plant and the solar field are municipal assets and strategic assets for the island’s water security, arguing that the company Águas de São Nicolau has responsibilities in paying for energy consumption, as stipulated.
José Martins called for a public debate conducted with “transparency and rigor,” warning against insinuations that, in his view, confuse public opinion and devalue recognized projects, including internationally recognized ones, such as the solar desalination plant.
Finally, he criticized the lack of structural works after 430 days of municipal government, considering that the current administration seeks justifications instead of assuming responsibilities, and argued that the good name and honor of individuals should not be used as instruments of political dispute.
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