Sade & Water Treatment: CAP Vert

Cape Verde Pioneers Enduring Future with Advanced Wastewater treatment

Cape Verde is taking a monumental step toward environmental sustainability with the construction of its first wastewater treatment plant on Santo Antão Island. Aimed at addressing critical sanitation challenges, this project will provide much-needed infrastructure to treat wastewater, safeguarding the island’s delicate ecosystem and scarce freshwater resources.This initiative not only promises enhanced public health but also sets a precedent for economic advancement rooted in ecological responsibility.

Addressing Cape Verde’s Water Crisis: A Proactive Approach

The Cape Verde archipelago grapples with notable sanitation issues, impacting public health, environmental integrity, and economic progress. Santo antão, in particular, faces acute freshwater scarcity, exacerbated by over-extraction and saltwater intrusion, diminishing its water quality. According to a World Bank report, sustainable water management is crucial for island nations facing similar challenges.

In response,the Agência Nacional Águas E Saneamento (ANAS),backed by funding from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA),awarded a key project to SADE,a subsidiary of the NGE group,to construct a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant.

The Santo Antão Wastewater treatment Plant: Details and Objectives

SADE will oversee the construction of a treatment plant with a processing capacity of 400 cubic meters per day. The project includes:

• Two advanced pumping stations.
• A 20-kilometer network of wastewater pipelines.
• Storage lagoons, approximately 1500 square meters, for treated water.

The treated water will be repurposed for irrigation and road cleaning, addressing two critical needs simultaneously: eliminating untreated water discharge and promoting resource reuse.

Pro tip: Consider implementing smart irrigation systems in conjunction with treated wastewater reuse to maximize efficiency and minimize water waste.

Project Timeline and Expected Outcomes

Following the start of studies in early April 2025,the construction is projected to span 18 months,concluding by the end of 2026. this ambitious timeline reflects the urgency and importance of the project.

“This project marks a key step to improve living conditions in Santo Antão and the realization of the goverment’s ambition to guarantee the entire population access to quality water services. By deploying the first treatment station on the island, we contribute to the protection of its ecosystem and to the improvement of the comfort of the population. This project is fully part of the strategy of our group, which places the preservation of natural resources at the heart of its commitments. We are proud to accompany the green CAP in this transition”, Sade said.

Long-Term Commitment to Water and Sanitation in Cape Verde

SADE’s involvement in cape Verde extends beyond this project, with over a decade of commitment to improving drinking water and sanitation infrastructure. Their ongoing efforts include:

• Designing and installing fire protection networks at hydrocarbon storage sites in Santiago.
• Constructing a treatment plant in Assomada.
• Deploying drinking water and sanitation networks across Santiago.
• Contributing to desalination efforts in Sal and São Vicente, addressing water resource management issues.

Did You Know? Cape Verde’s strategic location makes it vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels and increased drought frequency, making sustainable water management even more critical.

Project Snapshot

Aspect	Details
Client	ANAS (National Agency Águas and Sanitation)
Project Cost	€4.7 million
Wastewater Networks	20 km (PEHD / PVC Ø 160 to 300 mm)
treatment Capacity	400 m³/day

NGE’s Broader impact in Africa

NGE, operating in six African countries, is dedicated to constructing essential mobility and water management infrastructures. Recent projects include a wastewater treatment plant in morocco capable of processing 150,000 cubic meters of wastewater, installing the initial 330 kilometers of tracks for the Egyptian LGV network, and contributing to the Nachtigal hydroelectric dam in Cameroon.

how can other island nations adopt similar strategies to address their water challenges?

The Future of Water Management: Key Trends

The Cape Verde initiative reflects broader trends in water management, including:

• Decentralized Treatment Systems: Moving away from large, centralized plants to smaller, localized systems.
• Advanced Treatment Technologies: Utilizing membrane bioreactors (MBR) and reverse osmosis (RO) for higher quality effluent.
• Nature-Based Solutions: Integrating green infrastructure like constructed wetlands for natural water purification.
• Smart Water Grids: Implementing sensor networks and data analytics for efficient water distribution and leak detection.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating with private companies to finance and manage water projects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main challenges in wastewater treatment for island nations?

Island nations often face limited land availability, high energy costs, and vulnerability to climate change, making wastewater treatment more complex and expensive.

How can treated wastewater be safely reused?

Treated wastewater can be reused for irrigation, industrial cooling, toilet flushing, and even potable water after advanced treatment processes, ensuring it meets strict quality standards such as those set by the EPA or WHO.

What role does technology play in modern wastewater treatment?

Technology is crucial in modern wastewater treatment, with advanced systems like membrane filtration, UV disinfection, and real-time monitoring enhancing efficiency and ensuring high-quality water reuse.

How does the project’s emphasis on resource reuse, specifically the repurposing of treated water for irrigation and road cleaning, contribute to the long-term economic viability of Santo Antão Island?

Cape Verde Pioneers Enduring Future with Advanced Wastewater treatment: An Interview with Architect Elena Silva

Archyde News is proud to present an exclusive interview with architect Elena Silva, a leading voice in sustainable infrastructure and a supporter of Cape Verde’s forward-thinking wastewater treatment initiative. Elena, with her deep understanding of ecological design and its integration with urban planning, shares her perspectives on this groundbreaking project.

Interview

Archyde News: Elena, thank you for joining us. Cape Verde’s new wastewater treatment plant on Santo Antão Island is a significant progress. what, in your opinion, are the most critical benefits this project brings to the community?

Elena Silva: Thank you for having me. The benefits are multifold. Firstly, the immediate impact on public health is considerable. Treating wastewater effectively reduces the transmission of waterborne diseases, improving the quality of life for residents. Secondly, it is indeed a crucial step towards environmental sustainability.By preventing untreated wastewater from polluting the delicate ecosystem, especially their fragile freshwater sources, we protect the island’s natural beauty and biodiversity.it lays the groundwork for economic growth,notably in sectors like tourism,which depend on a healthy surroundings.

Archyde News: the project includes a 20-kilometer network of pipelines and storage lagoons. How does this infrastructure align with sustainable design principles, and what innovative approaches are being implemented?

Elena silva: The focus is on resource reuse. The project’s design incorporates storage lagoons for treated water, which will be repurposed for irrigation and road cleaning. This closed-loop approach is fundamental to sustainable practice. It minimizes water waste and reduces the demand on freshwater resources. The use of advanced pumping stations and materials selection, designed to withstand the island’s specific conditions, are a testament to this commitment. The technology will ensure the longevity and efficiency of these systems.

Archyde News: The project is backed by BADEA (Arab Bank for economic Development in Africa) and executed by SADE, a sub-division of the NGE group. How significant are these partnerships in the success of such initiatives, and what role do you foresee for public-private collaborations in future water management projects?

Elena Silva: these partnerships are essential.BADEA provides the crucial financial backbone, while SADE brings the technical expertise and experience required for complex infrastructure projects. Public-private partnerships are increasingly becoming the norm in water management, as they bring together the strengths of both sectors: the public sector provides the vision and regulatory framework, and the private sector offers efficiency, innovation, and access to funding. In the future, these collaborations will be vital in scaling up these solutions to address global water challenges.

Archyde News: Cape verde is a country that is susceptible to the effects of climate change and faces water scarcity issues. How will this project help increase its climate resilience?

Elena Silva: By conserving freshwater resources and reducing discharge,the project strengthens the resilience of the island. Furthermore,the treated water can be used for agriculture,which helps boost food security during drought periods. This reduces dependence on unpredictable rainfall. This focus on water management is vital in assisting the country to adapt to the impacts of climate change by making it a more drought-resistant and sustainable environment.

Archyde News: NGE is working on expanding its projects in several African countries. What lessons can other island nations and countries facing similar challenges learn from this initiative?

Elena Silva: The key takeaway is the importance of proactive and integrated water management strategies. Island nations, in particular, need to adopt a holistic approach that emphasizes water conservation, reuse, and protection of existing resources.Decentralized treatment systems, the integration of green infrastructure, and the use of smart water grids are all viable solutions that should be implemented. Furthermore, the collaboration framework among stakeholders—government, businesses, NGOs, and the community—is crucial to the success of the project.

Archyde News: looking ahead, what do you see as the most significant trends shaping the future of water management, particularly in island nations?

Elena Silva: Several trends are emerging. More and more,the emphasis is placed on localized treatment solutions tailored to the specific needs and conditions of each community. Advanced treatment technologies are becoming more efficient and cost-effective, making it possible to reuse water for many more applications.Moreover, integrating natural methods, like constructing wetlands for water filtration, is becoming widespread. Most importantly, utilizing effective public-private partnerships and implementing smart water management systems will be crucial in our endeavors to overcome water-related issues. This project in Cape Verde is a fine paradigm that offers a promising path towards sustainability.

Archyde News: Elena, thank you for your insightful perspectives.

Elena Silva: My pleasure.

We invite our readers to share their thoughts on the future of water management in the comment section below. What innovative solutions do *you* see as key to preserving water resources for future generations?