Residents of Brava report alleged abuses in the management of the water supply and call for the authorities to intervene

Faced with what they describe as a long-standing situation, affected residents are calling on the Deputy Director in the city of São Filipe, on the island of Fogo, to intervene so that the situation can be assessed and solutions found for the problems reported by customers.

According to reports from residents, one of the main concerns relates to the difficulty some consumers face when contacting the water supply services to file complaints, clarify issues related to their bills, or request that service be restored.

The complainants state that, in certain cases, the issues raised by customers do not receive a response considered adequate or within a reasonable time frame, leaving families for long periods without knowing whom to turn to in order to resolve issues that directly affect their living conditions.

One of the cases reported by residents involves a 74-year-old man who, according to family members, has been without a water supply for some time.

According to reports, the elderly man’s children have repeatedly contacted the responsible authorities in an attempt to find a solution to the problem, but so far have been unable to resolve the situation.

The family finds it particularly concerning that an elderly person remains without regular access to water, an essential resource for hygiene, nutrition, and other basic daily needs.

Family members also claim that they have tried to engage with the authorities and seek an administrative solution to the case, but that the efforts made so far have not produced the expected results.

For the family members, the issue is no longer merely an administrative problem but has become a matter of great social concern, especially given the age of the affected individual.

Another major complaint raised by residents concerns water service interruptions which, according to consumers, are not always accompanied by an explanation deemed sufficient.

The complainants argue that any interruption in service must comply with applicable rules, be properly justified, and allow consumers to know the reason for the cut and the steps needed to resolve the situation.

Some residents claim, however, that they have encountered difficulties in obtaining clarification and resolving issues directly with local service providers.

The public is therefore calling for greater transparency in the management of the service, particularly regarding the criteria used to suspend service, the handling of complaints, and the mechanisms available for consumers to challenge any irregularities.

In addition to difficulties in receiving service, some residents have made more serious accusations, alleging abuse of authority by the local official, Ilda Solidade.

These allegations, however, have yet to be investigated by the competent authorities. The citizens making these accusations are calling for an independent investigation to determine whether or not there were improper procedures in the handling of the cases brought forward by consumers.

For residents, the fact that there are several similar complaints justifies intervention by the responsible authorities to hear from the parties involved and thoroughly examine each situation.

The public believes that those responsible for the public water supply service should maintain an open dialogue with consumers and ensure that complaints are received, reviewed, and addressed.

Given this situation, residents are appealing directly to the Deputy Director in the city of São Filipe to take note of the complaints coming from Brava and intervene to find solutions.

Citizens argue that intervention at a higher level could help resolve pending cases, review the procedures used in handling consumer complaints, and prevent similar situations from continuing to occur.

Among the measures the public hopes to see adopted are an investigation into cases of water shutoffs, a review of complaints filed by consumers, and the creation of more effective mechanisms to ensure responses to customers.

Residents also advocate for consumers to have access to clear information about their bills, any outstanding debts, reasons for service suspension, and conditions for restoring service.

The concern expressed in Brava is all the more significant given that water supply is an essential service for the population.

When a consumer faces a problem related to water service, a lack of response can have significant consequences, especially when the elderly, vulnerable individuals, or families without alternatives are involved.

In the case of the 74-year-old man mentioned by his family members, the situation raises questions about the need for special attention to be given to elderly citizens who face difficulties accessing essential services.

Family members insist that the goal is not to create conflict, but to find a solution to a problem that, they say, has been going on for quite some time.

Residents of Brava say they are tired of seeking solutions without receiving satisfactory answers and are asking that their complaints be taken seriously.

For the public, simply referring consumers from one service to another is not enough. There must be an entity responsible for following up on each complaint until it is resolved.

Citizens also argue that any water outages must be properly justified and that consumers must be able to file complaints and receive a formal response.

The situation now being reported highlights the need to strengthen dialogue between the agencies responsible for water supply and the residents of Brava.

The allegations made by residents are serious and, therefore, must be properly investigated before any definitive conclusions are drawn.

To date, reports from residents point to alleged service failures, difficulties in resolving customer issues, supply cuts deemed unjustified, and alleged abuse of authority.

The head of the service, Ilda Solidade, should be given the opportunity to present her version of the facts and publicly clarify the procedures followed in the reported cases.

Similarly, it will be up to the authorities responsible for the sector to assess the situation and determine whether the procedures used comply with applicable regulations.

Meanwhile, residents hope that the appeal addressed to the Deputy Director will result in concrete action and that the pending cases—including that of the 74-year-old man—can finally be reviewed and resolved.

For the residents of Brava, the central issue is simple: anyone who seeks water services to resolve a problem must be heard and given a response.

Residents therefore hope that the relevant authorities will intervene, investigate the complaints, and ensure that all consumers are treated with respect, transparency, and in accordance with their rights.

MS