Cape Verde: São Francisco Beach Construction Faces Legal Row
The Cape Verdean environmental association Lantuna has raised alarms over the continued construction of a shoreline development at São Francisco beach, despite a high-profile legal challenge from the Public Prosecutor’s Office and a suspension order from the Ministry of the Sea.
A Clash of Claims over Concrete
Lantuna’s executive director, Ana Veiga, reported that construction crews are actively pouring concrete at the site of a planned bar and restaurant, located roughly 16 kilometers from the capital city of Praia. The activity continues despite a government stance that the project lacks current authorization.
“The work continues,” Veiga told Televisão de Cabo Verde (TCV). She expressed deep concern that the project persists despite the Public Prosecutor’s efforts to annul the concession. Veiga warned that allowing the construction to proceed creates a dangerous precedent, asking, “What will be the excuse for others not to do the same?”
Legal and Environmental Deadlock
The controversy centers on the environmental risks to the coastal ecosystem. In May, the Public Prosecutor’s Office filed a contentious appeal to annul the project’s concession and requested an immediate provisional suspension. Prosecutors cited “increased risks of coastal erosion and environmental degradation” as the primary drivers for the legal action.
The Ministry of the Sea corroborated this stance, stating it had not authorized the continuation of concrete works and that the concession—originally granted in 2024—has been suspended for months. The Ministry went as far as issuing an order to “restore legality” at the developer’s expense, with no right to compensation.
Developers Defend €544,000 Investment
The developers, Ivo Sanha and Hokidis Dias, staunchly deny any wrongdoing. Displaying project documents to the media, Dias insisted that the legal requirements have been met. Sanha clarified that while there were “temporary suspensions” to address specific corrections, the Ministry of Environment lifted those restrictions on April 14.
“We have all the documents,” Dias asserted. The developers noted that their €544,000 investment was designed with environmental protections in mind, specifically citing coordination with authorities to protect turtle nesting sites. “From the beginning, we have been willing to work with the Ministry of Environment and environmental associations,” Sanha added.
Transparency Concerns
Lantuna remains unconvinced, challenging the licensing process itself. The association alleges the project was allowed to bypass a full environmental impact study and public consultation, requiring only a “management plan” that the association says it has been unable to access.
As concrete continues to be poured at São Francisco beach, the standoff highlights a growing tension between tourism development and environmental preservation in Cape Verde, leaving the final fate of the coastline in the hands of the courts.
Image: Pexels – Thomas Schwaak
