Advanced information was provided today in São Vicente during the presentation of the progress report on the work carried out following the storm of August 11th.
The achievements in the area of infrastructure were detailed by the Minister of Infrastructure, Spatial Planning and Housing, Victor Coutinho, who stated a physical completion rate of approximately 52%. “This refers to the amount allocated to the rehabilitation and reconstruction program for São Vicente, specifically regarding infrastructure. It includes public buildings that need rehabilitation, as well as some buildings that suffered damage. The priorities are municipal and national roads, rainwater and urban drainage, the sewage network, the water network, and the repaving of Mindelo. These are the major areas covered. We also have a fundamental focus, which is housing. Currently, we have mobilized 1.2 billion escudos, which are already being implemented. Last week, we approved the final resolution for São Vicente, relating to the year 2026, for approximately 900 million escudos. In total, we are talking about more than 2.2 billion escudos,” he explained.
The total amount foreseen for the program on the three islands affected by Storm Erin – São Vicente, Santo Antão, and São Nicolau – is approximately 4 billion escudos. At the same ceremony, the Minister of Finance, Olavo Correia, assured that this amount has already been contracted through internal funds, as well as the 2 billion escudos destined for Santiago Norte, also affected by the recent rains.
Regarding the companies and individuals affected by Storm Erin in São Vicente, the Minister of Investment Promotion and Business Development, Eurico Monteiro, guaranteed that more than 350 million escudos have already been mobilized in subsidies and financial support.
“With the fourth tranche made available on January 27, 2026, here is the current situation: Micro-enterprises, 243 affected, totaling 40 million and 610 thousand escudos. Small businesses, 6 affected, 3 million escudos. Medium-sized businesses, 19 affected, 22 million and 500 thousand escudos. Large businesses, 3 affected, 30 million escudos. Individuals, we have 2,480, with a total payment of 75,990,000 escudos,” he points out.
On the other hand, the Government informed that it is providing support to approximately 800 affected families. According to the Minister of Family, Inclusion and Social Development, Fernando Elísio Freire, the support covers different situations.
“Therefore, in general terms, regarding the needs and the number of families impacted, the numbers vary according to the direct effect on each family. But overall, if we add the 500 families we are directly supporting, if we add the 126 families we are supporting with equipment, if we add to that the 70 families we are renting houses for, plus the 10 families who unfortunately suffered a death, the numbers approach almost 800 families that the Government is directly assisting at this moment,” he says.
In the area of housing, the minister explained that 70 families who had to leave their homes were supported with temporary rentals, of which 24 are already in housing secured by the Government, while the rest remain in other spaces due to the difficulty in finding available properties. The Ministry is also currently rehabilitating 126 houses, intended for families who need to repair their damaged homes. To date, 60 houses have been completed and 45 are in the final stages of construction.