Africa-Press – Cape verde. The inauguration of the water desalination unit, this Friday, 27, in the north of Boa Vista, was marked by a demonstration by inhabitants of João Galego who tried to prevent the route of Ulisses Correia e Silva’s entourage, which was heading to Figueira Funda. to preside over the act.
In an attempt to intercept the route at the end of the main road, on Rua Direita, more precisely on the “safaris”, the protesters lined up “buoys” and buckets of water, where they uttered a few words of protest, questioning, among other questions, about the project and the availability of the water network in all houses.
The protesters questioned the head of government about the project, claiming that there were only 40 houses connected to the domestic water network.
Project implementation
According to Steven Santos, one of the protesters who addressed the prime minister, explained that the project is not at stake, but rather how the process was carried out.
He claimed that only a sketch of it was presented on the eve of the elections, having been made known and seen by the population for the first time only today.
This resident also stated that “a sign was never put up for the work” so he does not know the start date and forecast of its end, reiterating “the slow process and lack of information” throughout this period.
“Today, this inauguration is being carried out with 40 houses connected to the water network”, he said, questioning why there was no waiting for the water connection to all the houses to carry out the inauguration.
Water shortage on the island
Santos also pointed out that there are two boreholes, and due to the lack of rain on the island, he raised the question of sustainability in the water supply.
“There is sea close by, less than two kilometers from the north. Why was the connection and desalination of sea water for the water supply not made”, asked the protester for whom “we must listen and have respect for the population”.
“The aim was not to spoil the moment…”
For her part, resident Isaurinda Mendes said that the purpose of the demonstration was not to spoil the moment of the inauguration of the desalination unit, an investment of 60 million escudos, within the scope of the Desalinized Water Mobilization Project for the villages of the north of the island. from Boa Vista.
As he explained, the population intended to make Ulisses Correia e Silva stop in João Galego to find out that the work is not ready, and the streets are still full of ditches, stones, and that streets of other residences needed interventions.
“It is a long process that is not yet over. What we want most in this community is to have water in the taps. We went through hardships all this time. We wanted the inauguration to be done in a different way, with everyone gathered, for the joy and satisfaction of the entire community. We had no pleasure in holding the demonstration, but it was necessary”, he lamented.
Like Steeven Santos, Isaurinda Mendes demands that, next time, listen and work together with the population, so that something can be done that brings joy and pride.
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