Leliana de Oliveria. Cape Verde


21/05/2020

Leliana de Oliveria, studied a Master in Energy and Sustainability at the University of Vigo within the Learn Africa scholarship program, which promotes university education for African women

Cape Verde’s economy is stagnating due to the Coronavirus pandemic

Leliane de Oliveira Cabo VerdeMy name is Leliane de Oliveira and I live in the city of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde.

Since the first confirmed positive cases of Covid-19 in Cape Verde, the government has taken measures to reduce the spread of the disease in the country. Since then, three states of emergency have been declared with measures to be respected by the population. Travel between the islands and abroad has been suspended. This measure has only worked in part because of clandestine travel.

Currently, two of the country’s islands have positive cases of coronavirus, with the city of Praia having the highest number of infected people.  The total number of positive cases is 336 (patients in a stable state), 84 cured and 3 dead, two national citizens and an English tourist, who was the first confirmed case of Covid-19 in the country.

Approximately 93 tests are performed daily in the country, with an average of 10 positive cases. All confirmed cases are immediately placed in isolation in facilities that the State has prepared in order to control them and prevent the spread of the disease.

Many people have lost their jobs

Cape Verde’s economy is stagnating. Many people have lost their jobs, and those who live from daily sales have to stay at home without income. They are supported by the government, social institutions and individuals, as well as groups and representatives from the region, who are distributing food baskets to help in this time of crisis.

As part of my work, preventive measures are being taken to reduce the spread of the virus. Customer service is limited to ensure everyone’s well-being and to continue to meet the needs of consumers and businesses. I am a Trainee at ENACOL SA, a national company dedicated to the commercialization of fuels, butane gas and lubricants. I go to work every day but with the security provided by the measures applied by the company.

Difficulties have always existed, but today they are greater, especially for women in rural areas who are mainly engaged in day-to-day sales. Normally they do not earn more than 3 euros a day and now, without being able to go out, they no longer earn anything.

The situation is not easy, but the hope that better days will come makes us resist.

Translated by Paola Fourcaud

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