In Benguela last Thursday, the Minister of Energy and Water made a significant announcement regarding the Cunje Hydroelectric Power Plant situated in Camacupa, Bié province. He revealed that despite remaining inactive for over three decades due to damage from the armed conflict, plans are underway to recommence its operations later this year. Minister João Baptista Borges emphasized its installed capacity of approximately one megawatt and expressed satisfaction with its modest size, acknowledging its valuable role in enhancing the national electricity generation infrastructure.
At the commencement of the ministry’s 12th Consultative Council, focusing on “Energy and Water Towards Expansion and Enhanced Service Quality,” the Minister tackled the sector’s hurdles. He conducted a detailed review of the present situation of companies overseen by the ministry, stressing “limitations and inefficiencies” jeopardizing sector stability. Minister Borges spotlighted challenges within the National Electricity Distribution Company (ENDE), such as the absence of a robust commercial management system and a significant shortage of meters, especially among key customers.
Addressing issues within the water sector, the Minister expressed concern over losses, particularly in Luanda Province, where inefficiency is estimated at around 30%. He underscored the urgent need for modernizing the management system, including the customer database. Minister Borges also called upon Empresa Pública de Águas de Luanda (EPAL) to implement a robust, fraud-resistant, and easily auditable metering system, supporting tariff adjustments to address wastage resulting from vandalism and illegal connections. Given the revenue challenges faced by companies in both the electricity and water sectors, the Minister encouraged managers to seek innovative solutions to address these persistent issues. João Baptista Borges João Baptista Borges
