Luanda: The Bita Project, designed to enhance water supply in the provinces of Luanda and Icolo e Bengo, was a primary focus during a meeting between Angola's Minister of Energy and Water, Joo Baptista Borges, and a World Bank delegation in Luanda. This meeting, held on Thursday, aimed to bolster institutional cooperation and monitor ongoing projects in the water sector.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the World Bank mission highlighted the need to expedite the physical execution of the Bita project, with a particular emphasis on its water catchment component. Minister Borges assured the World Bank delegation that financial resources are not a concern and expressed his support for a subsequent phase to boost production capacity and extend the distribution network.
The discussions also covered the "Pro-Water" project, deemed essential by the Angolan government for enhancing the institutional and financial stability of the Luanda Public Water Company (EPAL). The minister reiterated the government's eagerness for World Bank involvement due to the project's critical role in structuring the subsector.
Minister Borges expressed satisfaction with the progress of World Bank-funded projects and underscored their significant impact on increasing access to potable water for Angolans. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to deepening institutional cooperation and expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its dedication to the sector's projects.
The World Bank delegation included Anna Wellenstein, the institution's representative for Africa in areas such as water, agriculture, the environment, and social development; Joo Carlos, the World Bank's representative for Angola; along with experts in water supply and sanitation.
