The Estradas de Cabo Verde (ECV) plans to undertake a road and drainage upgrade project in Praia, the capital city of Cabo Verde, in early 2027. The project, which will be financed by the World Bank, is expected to cost over 500,000 contos. According to José Varela, administrator of ECV and head of the Technical Unit, the project aims to address recurring issues of accumulated rainwater and road degradation, particularly during the rainy season.
The project will cover several areas in Praia, including Quebra Kanela, Rotunda do Beira-Mar Grill, and Safende. It involves not only road resurfacing but also deep drainage works on the slopes to minimize the impact of rainwater runoff and flooding in different parts of the city. The project is still in the elaboration phase and consists of two components: roadworks and drainage improvements.
Currently, temporary repairs are being carried out between Quebra Kanela and Rotunda do Beira-Mar Grill in partnership with the Praia Municipal Chamber. These works involve applying a layer of bituminous regularization to recover the pavement, which is in an advanced state of degradation, and ensure better circulation conditions until the definitive project is implemented.
The temporary repairs are expected to last about three weeks, with work scheduled to take place at night to minimize disruptions to traffic. The project is financed by the World Bank through the Urban Infrastructure and Connectivity Improvement Program, which has been expanded to include this type of work. The initiative responds to complaints from users about the poor state of the roads and difficulties in circulation, particularly during rainy periods.
In addition to road resurfacing, the project will also address drainage problems identified in various parts of the city, including the National Library, Várzea, and the surroundings of the Government Palace. According to José Varela, the lack of adequate drainage systems is a major factor in the deterioration of pavements in these areas. Therefore, the project will not only focus on road requalification but also on improving drainage and rainwater runoff systems.
The second component of the project, which involves the implementation and improvement of drainage and rainwater runoff systems, is expected to start in early 2027. This phase will complement the roadworks and will help to mitigate the problems of accumulated rainwater and flooding in the city. The project is expected to improve the living conditions of residents and enhance the overall infrastructure of Praia.
The road and drainage upgrade project is a significant investment in the infrastructure of Praia and demonstrates the commitment of the authorities to addressing the concerns of citizens. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the daily lives of residents and will contribute to the overall development of the city. The ECV and the World Bank are working together to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
Key points
- The project will be financed by the World Bank with an investment of over 500,000 contos.
