Right of Reply: Ilda Solidade, Aguabrava’s Representative in Brava, Refutes Accusations and Points to an Attempt at Political Persecution

According to the statement, the dispute began even before Mr. Gabi returned from prison, at which point he sent a formal letter requesting water for irrigation purposes. Ilda Solidade clarifies that the negative response sent to the applicant came directly from the administrator of the water company, headquartered in São Filipe, and was not a personal decision by the Delegate, since the supply of water for irrigation was—and remains—suspended by a resolution of the Board of Directors. About a month after sending the letter, Mr. Gabi reportedly visited the Delegate’s office. According to Solidade, the meeting took place in an open and cordial manner, with the citizen demonstrating an understanding of the company’s legal and operational limitations, and even receiving guidance and technical support within the scope permitted by law.

The turning point in the institutional relationship occurred weeks later, when inspection teams detected an illegal water connection leading to a reservoir. The Chief Inspector assures that the fraud is properly documented with video evidence and photographs of the clandestine connection intended for illegal supply. When confronted with the evidence at the company’s office, Mr. Gabi reportedly denied direct responsibility, pointing to an employee on his property as the alleged perpetrator of the offense.

Shortly thereafter, the case entered the public sphere via social media, where Mr. Gabi accused the Commissioner of breaking a promise regarding water supply. In a subsequent meeting to clarify the facts, Ilda Solidade reports that the citizen himself retracted the accusations, admitting he had been influenced by third parties. On that same occasion, Mr. Gabi reportedly offered a formal apology and expressed a desire to resolve the dispute out of court, citing concerns due to his criminal record related to a previous incident involving police officers. After that meeting, the situation returned to normal, but Mr. Gabi has now returned with even more serious accusations.

In light of the renewed criticism, the Água Brava Delegate felt it necessary to clarify to the public how the institution’s administrative procedures work. She emphasizes that the inclusion of residents on lists sent by the City Council does not guarantee automatic approval of the service, as each application undergoes a rigorous on-site technical inspection to assess feasibility and ensure that the water is intended exclusively for domestic consumption. Furthermore, she emphasized that she lacks the legal authority to authorize or establish connections on her own initiative, as decisions regarding distribution policy rest with the Board of Directors, and that the municipality itself is fully aware of this situation.

In closing her statement, Ilda Solidade also addressed the remarks made by Mr. Moises, reaffirming her unwavering commitment to legality, transparency, and professionalism in the exercise of her public duties. The delegate lamented the tone and severity of the attacks that have targeted her honor, concluding that the nature and timing of these systematic accusations, which lack a clear legal basis, clearly constitute an attempt at political persecution aimed at undermining her image and the work carried out at the police station.

Full Text of the Statement

“Regarding the accusations you have been making against me, I would like to clarify a few points.

First of all, I have never persecuted Mr. Gabi. Even before I returned from prison, I received a letter from him requesting water for irrigation. The company responded in writing, informing him that the water supply for irrigation had been suspended. That response was given by the company’s administrator, not by me.

About a month later, Mr. Gabi came to see me in my office to discuss the matter. We spoke openly; I explained the entire situation to him, and Mr. Gabi showed that he understood. In fact, I tried to help him within the limits of what I could do.

A few weeks later, we discovered an illegal water connection. There is video and photographic evidence. I called Mr. Gabi into the office and explained to him that the reservoir in question was being used for illegal water supply. Mr. Gabi pointed to another person working on his property as the possible person responsible for the situation.

Shortly thereafter, Mr. Gabi posted on social media claiming that I had promised to connect his water supply and had failed to do so. That claim was never true. To clarify the situation, I explained the facts. On that occasion, Mr. Gabi himself acknowledged that he had acted based on information from third parties and apologized. He also expressed a desire to resolve the matter without taking it to other authorities, especially since he already had a history related to another incident involving police officers.

After that meeting, everything was resolved and the situation returned to normal. However, Mr. Gabi has now resumed making accusations against me in a much more serious manner.

It is important to clarify that there is a list of people recommended by the City Council for water connections. However, inclusion on that list does not mean automatic approval. Each case is reviewed through an inspection to verify whether the conditions for the connection exist and whether the use will be residential. At this time, connections for irrigation are suspended by a decision approved by the company’s Board of Directors.

I do not have the authority to authorize or carry out water connections on my own initiative. The City Council is aware of this situation, and if Mr. Gabi had sought information from the City Council, he would have received the necessary clarification.

As for the accusations directed at me by Mr. Moises, I wish only to reaffirm that I have always performed my duties with professionalism, responsibility, and respect for the law. I believe these accusations can be interpreted as an attempt at political persecution."