Ivone Cardoso Questions the Government About Transportation, Health Care, and Water on Brava Island

Representative Ivone Cardoso, elected from the Brava constituency, questioned the government today during the parliamentary session the government about the main problems that continue to affect the island, particularly maritime transportation, healthcare, water supply, and the operation of energy infrastructure.

In her remarks, the lawmaker acknowledged Brava’s historical and cultural importance to Cape Verde, as well as the island’s potential for development. However, she emphasized that existing constraints, particularly in the transportation, health, and water sectors, continue to limit the population’s quality of life and local economic growth.

Maritime transport: when will the ship arrive?

One of the main points raised by Ivone Cardoso was the state of maritime transportation, which she considered crucial for the mobility of Brava’s residents, the island’s supply chain, and the functioning of economic activities.

The representative wanted to know when the ship recently acquired to serve Brava will actually be available to the public and whether the current government intends to maintain the plan announced by the previous administration, which called for daily trips on the Brava–Fogo–Brava route, with an overnight stay in Brava.

Ivone Cardoso also asked what measures are planned to prevent further periods of isolation for the island while waiting for the ship to become operational. She noted that disruptions in maritime transport can strand passengers, compromise supply chains, and cause financial losses to families and businesses.

The lawmaker also drew attention to the 30-day deadline announced by the government to resolve transportation issues to and from Brava, noting that nearly 100 days had already passed since the start of the government’s term without, according to her remarks, the situation having been resolved.

“Brava is currently facing a situation of despair,” she said, calling for an urgent response to a problem she considers structural and one that affects virtually every aspect of life on the island.

Health Center and Desalination Plant: Demand for Specific Deadlines

Healthcare and water supply were other key points of her remarks.

Ivone Cardoso inquired about the progress of construction at the Brava Health Center and the desalination plant, emphasizing that both facilities represent important solutions to long-standing needs of the population.

While acknowledging the importance of continuing the work, the representative argued that it is necessary to complete the projects and clarify when they will actually be available to serve the residents of Brava.

Regarding the Health Center, she emphasized that the provision of health care requires facilities with adequate conditions to serve the population.

“Free healthcare also requires proper physical conditions in hospitals and health centers,” she stated, arguing that improvements in health services must be accompanied by better infrastructure.

Regarding water, she highlighted the constraints on supply and the consequences of the scarcity of water suitable for consumption, agriculture, livestock, businesses, and the island’s economic development.

The representative therefore requested clarification on the current status of the two projects, asking whether they remain government priorities and what the projected timelines are for their completion.

1.3 MW solar farm also a major concern

Her remarks also included a question about the 1.3-megawatt (MW) solar farm, which, according to the lawmaker, has yet to become operational.

“Why hasn’t the solar park, designed to reach 1.3 MW, come online yet?” asked Ivone Cardoso, requesting clarification on the delay.

The representative argued that the public needs to know the status of ongoing projects and the commitments made to ensure their completion.

Brava cannot wait any longer

At the end of her remarks, Ivone Cardoso insisted on the need for the government to present clear commitments and defined deadlines for resolving the problems affecting the island.

For the lawmaker, the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects and the resolution of transportation constraints are fundamental conditions for Brava to improve the population’s living conditions and reduce the difficulties it faces on a recurring basis.

“Brava cannot wait any longer. They were elected to take action,” she concluded.

The speech brought the expectations of Brava’s residents regarding concrete solutions for transportation, health care, water, and energy to the forefront of the parliamentary debate; however, regarding the issues raised, the timelines and measures the government plans to implement to address these concerns remain to be clarified.