Africa-Press – Cape verde. The Prime Minister (PM), Ulisses Correia e Silva, today highlighted the importance of partnerships between the central government and municipal authorities to boost local development in Cape Verde. Despite “serious” periods of crisis, PM argues that the country has progressed in terms of economic growth and local development.
In the parliamentary debate with the PM, on “Decentralization and Rural Development”, Ulisses Correia e Silva emphasized the crucial role of municipalities in implementing urban requalification, accessibility, tourist infrastructure, housing and social inclusion projects.
The head of government pointed out that, since 2016, significant amounts have been invested in municipalities through the Environment and Tourism Funds, as well as the Village Requalification and Rehabilitation Program (PRRA).
The PM highlighted considerable investment, with more than 1.7 million contos allocated to urban and environmental development, 3.1 million contos for tourist projects and 1.2 million contos through the PRRA, covering all municipalities in the country.
“The investments made and being implemented in all municipalities in the country through partnerships with municipalities and direct government investments have had an impact on improving people’s quality of life, reducing poverty and boosting local economies”.
Furthermore, the government official highlighted the tax exemptions granted to municipalities to stimulate local investment, including the exemption from VAT on municipal projects of public interest and the exemption from the ecological tax.
“Cape Verde is equipped with a National Decentralization Strategy, a National Territorial Cohesion Policy, a Territorial Cohesion Index, a National Spatial Planning and Urban Planning Policy, a National Housing Policy, a Law that allows the creation of Municipal Police”.
Ulisses Correia e Silva also addressed ongoing reforms, including the new Municipalities Statute, the Municipal Financial Regime and the Municipal Budget Basic Law, aiming to strengthen the autonomy and financial capacity of municipalities.
In his speech, Ulisses Correia e Silva reinforced the government’s commitment to continue collaborating with municipalities to face the challenges of local development, highlighting the importance of a joint approach to achieve significant results.
“Development is a long-term endeavor. Despite serious periods of crisis, the country has progressed in terms of economic growth, employment, social protection, poverty reduction, professional qualifications and entrepreneurship and local development. Much has already been done. We still have a lot to do, together with Cape Verdeans and Cape Verdeans”, she reiterated.
The parliamentary debate continues, with the expectation of approval of new measures to strengthen decentralization and promote more equitable development across the country.
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