Today, July 6, 2022, the stone was laid for more structured drought control projects in Cunene.
This important and strategic task is carried out by the Minister of Energy and Water, João Baptista Borges, along with the Secretary of State for Water, Lucrécio Costa, the Deputy Governor of Infrastructure of Cunene, Faustino Cortez, and others. other key figures, both from the Department of Energy and Water and local government.
This Act then commenced construction of “Cunene 8” consisting of lots 7, 8 and 9, on the right bank of the Kunene River.
This project is part of PCESSA (Program to combat drought in southern Angola) and part of an initiative integrated into a series of priority actions that the President of the Republic, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, implemented and developed by MINEA, will certainly alleviate the current severe problems caused by extreme drought and thereby reverse the cycle of population migration, the risk of food insecurity and other evils. In this way, the Board of Trustees not only brings back water, but also gives hope to residents of areas severely affected by this problem. The project “Cunene 8”, launched today, aims to build a dam on the Caculuvar River in the town of Cova do Leão, as well as a water supply system for the towns of Cahama and Ochinjau. In this area, 9 dams will be rehabilitated and a water supply system will be established in Oncocua, based on the use of existing artesian wells and the installation of new groundwater basins.
Chitado will also have a water supply system, drawing water from the Cunene River.
This ambitious project will accommodate about 240,000 people, more than 30,000 heads of cattle, as well as create 17,000 domestic connections, more than 250 fountains, irrigate an area of about 75 hectares and also secure more than 1,400 jobs do, over a period of time. in 24 months. In his speech, Cunene’s Deputy Governor of Infrastructure congratulated MINEA on the decision, after congratulating PCESSA for its importance to Cunene. Minister João Baptista Borges said that, among other things, these structural works are important but the combination of these works and “instant results measures” can contribute to the success. of this important strategy to combat drought in Cunene. He also mentioned the employment factor, as these jobs will directly employ about 1,400 people. Minister João Baptista Borges, in a hopeful tone, said he envisioned a turning point for the region that would attract more businesses, more jobs and more wealth. He concluded by saying that PCESSA will also be moving to Namibe and Huila soon. The owner of the energy and water portfolio even promised to work and commit to bringing water to the area and solving this problem.
