The city of Praia in Cabo Verde is facing significant water losses, with approximately 60% of the water supplied to the system being lost due to physical and apparent losses. This is according to Águas de Santiago (AdS), the water utility company responsible for the city's water supply. The losses are a major challenge for the sustainability and operational efficiency of the company and the public water supply.
In an effort to combat these losses, AdS, in collaboration with the Agência Reguladora Multissetorial da Economia (ARME), carried out inspections in the Palmarejo and Vila Esperança neighborhoods on October 7 and 8. The inspections resulted in the dismantling of seven illicit water connections. The actions were part of a broader effort to prevent and combat illicit connections in the water supply system.
The inspections were conducted by teams from AdS and consultants from Water Services Consulting and Management (WSCM), following a training session on inspection procedures. The goal of these actions is to reduce unauthorized consumption and protect the water supply infrastructure. AdS considers the fight against illicit connections a key front in its efforts to improve the efficiency of the public water supply.
The water losses in Praia are a significant challenge for AdS, affecting not only the company's sustainability but also the reliability of the public water supply. The company is committed to continuing its inspection actions and improving its loss management procedures. AdS is also appealing to consumers to take responsibility and collaborate in protecting the water resources.
The issue of water losses in Praia is not isolated, with other areas in Cabo Verde facing similar challenges. Recent incidents, such as a rupture in a water conduit in Achada Grande Frente and an avaria in Santa Marta, have also affected the water supply in the region. The government has approved a compensation of almost one million contos to cover the tariff deficit of the water sector.
AdS and ARME are working together to address the issue of illicit connections and water losses in Praia. A session of reflection on the application of the Roadmap for Prevention, Inspection, and Response to Illicit Acts in Water Supply Systems was held on October 9. The session aimed to discuss ways to improve the prevention and combat of illicit connections in the water supply system.
The water utility company AdS is committed to improving the efficiency of the public water supply in Praia. The company is working to reduce water losses and protect the water supply infrastructure. Consumers are also being called upon to play their part in protecting the water resources and reporting any cases of illicit connections.
Key points
- About 60% of water supplied to Praia's system is lost due to physical and apparent losses.
- AdS and ARME carried out inspections in Palmarejo and Vila Esperança, dismantling seven illicit water connections.
- The fight against illicit connections is a key front in AdS's efforts to improve the efficiency of the public water supply.
