Santa Maria Pontoon Reconstruction to Begin Next Week with $10 million World Bank Funding
Sal Island, Cape Verde – Reconstruction of the Santa Maria Pontoon on Sal Island is slated to begin next week, following the signing of a work contract on October 16th. The project, funded with $10 million (8.5 million euros) from the World Bank, is expected to be completed within 18 months.
the pontoon, a key feature of the popular Santa Maria Beach tourism area, was partially destroyed in October 2024 by an atmospheric depression. The selected contractor is currently preparing the site for construction.According to Cape Verde’s Minister of Tourism and Transport, José Luis Sá Nogueira, the rebuilt pontoon will be extended by over 70 meters, reaching a total length of 120 meters. The upgraded facility will include dedicated areas for kiosks, vessels, and restrooms, improving working conditions for local employees.
Indira Campos, World Bank Group representative for Cape Verde, detailed further improvements, including designated spaces for fish keepers, fishmongers, and fishermen, as well as a dedicated area with a wooden dais for local artisans selling handicrafts. A storage and conservation space for fishermen’s equipment will also be included.
This reconstruction project is taking place during a visit from World Bank executive administrators to Cape Verde, running from September 5th to 9th. The delegation is touring several islands, including St. Vincent, Santo Antão, and Santiago, to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s development priorities and challenges.
The visit marks the first official presence of World Bank executive managers in Cape Verde and coincides with the readiness of a new country partnership framework – a strategic document outlining the World Bank’s future support for the archipelago – for review in the next fiscal year.
Accompanying the mission are Keiko Sugiyama, World Bank Director for cape Verde, and Olivier Buyoya, Regional Director of the International finance Corporation (IFC).
