
Cabo Verde
Delivering Safe Drinking Water
Overview
This project focused on increasing the availability of safe drinking water on the island of São Nicolau through the construction of a plant for the desalination of sea water and its transportation to the communities. It improved the health of communities by reducing health risks associated with the intake of poor-quality water.
Beneficiaries
Inhabitants of São Nicolau island
Partners
Municipality of Ribeira Brava, UNDP Cabo Verde
Budget
$1,712,000
Duration
March 2009–November 2014
Additional Resources:
Municipality of Ribeira Brava, $150,000;
the Government of Cabo Verde, $80,000; and
UNDP Cabo Verde, $60,000
Key Results
• The year-round supply of safe drinking water for the 12,000 inhabitants of São Nicolau Island increased as did the water supply for agricultural purposes.
• The water desalination plant was built and connected to the main water distribution system of Ribeira Brava. It has a desalination capacity of 1,200 m³ of sea water per day and a water storage reservoir with a capacity of 1,000 m³.