Government steps up its response in São Vicente: swift, humane and effective solutions for affected families

The Minister for Family, Inclusion and Social Development, Fernando Elísio Freire, visited São Vicente between 21 and 23 August, to strengthen the Cape Verdean Government’s response to families affected by the heavy rains of 11 August, which resulted in loss of life, missing persons and extensive material damage. The visit included a busy schedule of meetings and visits to various communities, public facilities and reception centres, with the aim of ensuring the implementation of the measures announced and guaranteeing swift, humane and effective solutions.

Right at the start of the mission, the Minister met with the Mayor of São Vicente, reinforcing coordination between central government and local authorities. He also visited the Social Shop and the facilities under the Ministry’s remit, namely the ICCA and the CNPS, which had suffered extensive damage caused by the bad weather. In a gesture of solidarity, he also visited the reception centres where 74 families are currently staying, totalling 255 people, including 12 who have lost absolutely everything – their homes, possessions and means of subsistence – and a further 62 who require rehousing, as their homes no longer meet minimum safety standards.

Accompanied by the United Nations System Co-ordinator, Patrícia Portela de Souza, and the World Health Organisation representative, Ann Lindstrand, Fernando Elísio Freire visited the communities of Madeiral, Ribeira de Calhau, Calhau and Salamansa, where he was able to listen directly to the local people, gain a first-hand understanding of the difficulties they face and reaffirm the Government’s commitment to leaving no one behind.

As part of the integrated response, a meeting was also held with local associations and non-governmental organisations which have been supporting the affected families from the very outset. The meeting helped to strengthen coordination between the Government, the local authority and civil society, and a joint action plan was drawn up, with targeted responses for each neighbourhood, in line with the specific needs of the families. The Minister highlighted the crucial role played by the associations, emphasising the in-depth knowledge each one has of the reality of their communities, and took the opportunity to acknowledge and thank them for the remarkable work carried out since the most critical phase of the emergency.

The programme also included visits to the Staff Promo and Real Sociedade associations, as well as trips to heavily affected neighbourhoods, to assess housing conditions and identify immediate and medium-term solutions.

Through this on-the-ground presence, the Government reaffirms its commitment to working side by side with civil society, international partners and local communities, with the aim of turning this tragedy into an opportunity for a fresh start. The Government assures us that its commitment is to mobilise resources, coordinate efforts and restore a sense of security, dignity and hope for the future to the families of São Vicente.

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