The water sector of São Tomé and Principe's state-owned EMAE company is facing a severe crisis, with its parent company describing it as the "poor relative." A recent visit to the Mé-Zochi district's spring water catchment areas revealed empty reservoirs. According to Nilton Lima, EMAE's Water Director, the team has been working on a plan to address the crisis for months. The plan involves channeling and treating river water to supplement the dwindling spring water supply.
The proposed solution, valued at 1.5 million dobras ($60,000), aims to create systems for treating and distributing river water to boost the depleted reservoirs. Lima emphasized that the project requires financing, which has not been forthcoming from the government. This lack of funding underscores the water sector's low priority within EMAE. The situation is critical, particularly at the Hospital Central Ayres de Menezes, which relies on the nearly empty Agrião spring reservoir in Vila da Madalena for its water supply.
Prime Minister Américo Ramos acknowledged that the government has underinvested in the spring water catchment areas, some of which date back to the colonial era or the early days of the country's independence. These outdated systems now serve a population of over 200,000, up from 80,000 at the time of their construction. Ramos recognized that the water distribution network, particularly in the capital São Tomé, needs restructuring.
During a meeting with EMAE's water sector team, Ramos reviewed the sector's master plan and discussed ways to implement it. He disputed the notion that the water sector is neglected, citing investments in over seven water treatment units on the island of São Tomé in the past 15 years. However, he acknowledged that the EMAE company itself requires restructuring to become profitable and self-sustaining.
Ramos attributed the current crisis to the lack of reorganization in EMAE, which has hindered the company's ability to collect revenue from water sales and invest in its own operations. He conceded that the necessary actions to address the water crisis should have been taken 20 years ago. The government's delay in addressing the issue has exacerbated the problem, leaving the population to suffer the consequences.
The water crisis in São Tomé and Principe has been worsened by the lack of fuel, which has disrupted the distribution of water. The situation is dire, with residents facing significant challenges in accessing clean water. EMAE's proposed solution aims to alleviate the crisis, but its implementation remains uncertain due to funding constraints.
The crisis has highlighted the need for urgent investment in São Tomé and Principe's water infrastructure. The government's response to the crisis will be crucial in determining the country's ability to provide clean water to its citizens. The international community has offered support, but the government must take concrete steps to address the issue.
Key points
- The EMAE has proposed a $60,000 solution to address the water crisis in São Tomé and Principe.
- The government has cited funding issues as the main obstacle to implementing the solution.
- The water crisis has been exacerbated by the lack of investment in the sector and the need for restructuring of the EMAE company.
