Africa-Press – Cape verde. The Praia Municipal Assembly approved this Friday a proposed resolution allocating nine plots of land to the national basketball team, changing the regime from surface rights to emphyteusis.
The resolution was unanimously approved by the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), as well as by the Movement for Democracy (MpD), during the IV extraordinary session of the Praia Municipal Assembly.
The Mayor of Praia, Francisco Carvalho, considered the decision “a source of satisfaction,” emphasizing that it resolves a long-standing problem, the proposal for which dates back to 2007, after the basketball team won the bronze medal.
According to the mayor, although surface rights had already been approved previously, the athletes expressed a preference for emphyteusis.
“When we give something to someone, it’s important that it’s in accordance with what the person wants. The athletes wanted it to be through emphyteusis, and it’s good that this gesture meets their wishes,” he stated.
When questioned about the possibility of the measure setting a precedent for other medal-winning teams, Francisco Carvalho indicated the need to create regulations that allow for an equal response to similar situations.
Regarding the criticism from the leader of the MpD (opposition) parliamentary group concerning the alleged squandering of land in the municipality, Carvalho considered that this assessment should be made by the residents, businesses, and people of Praia in general.
“This question should be asked to the municipalities about what they think of the position of the MpD parliamentary group leader, who is opposing access to land for residents,” he added.
The leader of the MpD parliamentary group, Manuela Brito, for her part, confirmed the party’s favorable vote on the resolution, stating that the proposal had been dragging on for 19 years and that its approval is positive for the municipality.
“Anything that benefits the municipality and its residents will always have our support, especially when it comes to sports, which has taken the name of Cape Verde around the world,” she stated.
The municipal deputy acknowledged that the leasehold system presents advantages, notably the possibility of reversing ownership, but considered the amendment a minor detail given the time elapsed since the initial approval.
When questioned about the six-month deadline for the start of construction, she stated that it is the responsibility of the council to oversee and ensure compliance with the stipulated terms.
Regarding the possibility of other sports benefiting from a similar measure, she admitted that it could set a precedent and considered it legitimate to value athletes who have projected the name of Cape Verde.
In turn, the leader of the PAICV (ruling party) parliamentary group, Aquiles Barbosa, recalled that the MpD voted in favor of both the initial resolution and the current amendment, emphasizing that sport is one of the fundamental responsibilities of the municipal council.
“Sport has taken the name of Cape Verde beyond its borders and contributed to the affirmation of the country,” he stated, considering “the criticisms from the MpD unfounded,” since the party was in charge of the municipality between 2008 and 2020 and did not proceed with the allocation of the land.
Aquiles Barbosa explained that the amendment now approved aims to simplify the land granting regime, making life easier for athletes.
Regarding the potential creation of precedents, he considered that it could be a positive precedent, arguing that any team that has brought honor to Cape Verde should be valued.
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