The SEURECA / CESO Consortium participated last November at the official presentation of the “Technical Assistance to Águas de Santiago” project. "Águas de Santiago" is the recently created company that will be responsible for water distribution and wastewater collection in Santiago Island, Cape Verde, representing 56% of the country’s population.

The reform of the water and sanitation sector is being supported by the WASH Project (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) promoted by the Millennium Challenge Account Program (MCA-Cape Verde II) and funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation – MCC.

The ceremony took place at the city council of Santa Catarina and was headed by the local Mayor. At the event MCC and MCA representatives highlighted the substantial impact of this reform to the country’s development, while the president of the Águas de Santiago, made reference to the high expectations for this project. The Consortium SEURECA / CESO presented some of the key experts and its overall strategy to support the set up and start of operation of the new company.

This technical assistance has an estimate duration of up to 36 month.

The project aims to provide Technical Assistance to the newly formed Multi Municipal Utility (MMU) “Águas de Santiago”, during the start-up and early operational phases of its existence, in order to create a sustainable and functional company.

The Consortium will support the company to develop and implement processes and procedures in line with the sector best practices, guiding this institution towards a costumer oriented organization improving the amount and quality of services and, creating a socially and gender responsible organization, for its workers and the community.

Find more information about this project here

Watch CESO'S vídeo (with english subtitles) about the project presentation in Cape Verde here

You may also find the vídeo of the Cape Verdean television (in portuguese) about this ceremony here

January, 2015.