Cape Verde moves ahead with reconstruction of Santa Maria pontoon in Sal
The Cape Verdean government is launching the reconstruction of the Santa Maria pontoon in Sal, a USD 10 million project financed by the World Bank, which should be completed in 18 months, reinforcing resilience and new tourist attractions.
Cape Verde's Prime Minister, Ulisses Correia e Silva, called the work on the Santa Maria pontoon, on the island of Sal, formally contracted this Tuesday, a reconstruction of "greater quality and resilience".
The pier, a tourist icon of the archipelago that sells fresh fish and handicrafts and serves as a diving platform, was partially destroyed by a storm a year ago. The project, financed by the World Bank to the tune of 10 million dollars (8.5 million euros), will take 18 months to complete and includes the rehabilitation of the access plaza.
The new structure will be 120 meters long and 14 meters wide, with ramps for water sports and bathers on one side, and a fish landing area on the other, supporting 30 traditional stalls with better display and hygiene conditions. The project also includes sanitary facilities, support structures, lighting for night walks and an open space at the end.
Correia e Silva stressed that the reconstruction was not done "in a hurry" to guarantee durability and a return to the community and visitors. At the same time, the government is preparing tenders for the creation of an interpretive center in the salt pans and a salt museum, betting on differentiated tourist offers that reflect Cape Verdean identity.
