Catumbela: The physical execution phase of the ChinaTown shopping center, which is being built at the Catumbela Industrial Development Pole in the centre-west Benguela Province, is around 66% complete, ANGOP learned on Thursday.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the construction project supervisor, Mabuango Pedro, stated that the building will feature approximately 250 shops, multiple catering areas, and a hotel to accommodate guests, as tourism is rapidly developing in the province. Mabuango Pedro highlighted, "Benguela province is going to gain another commercial space, not only for the local population but also for visitors coming from other places."
He noted that currently, around 250 local young people are working on the project, with the possibility of increasing this number in the upcoming phases. "We started building in 2023, with some constraints, but the first phase is expected to be completed next year," he revealed.
The work had faced suspension by the General Labour Inspectorate due to non-compliances by the contractor, such as the absence of worker registration and lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), among other requirements. The development is being carried out by the Chinese company CR20, spanning an area of 250 meters wide and 528 meters long.
The new shopping center is situated a few meters from the EN100 national road, in the border area between the municipalities of Catumbela and Lobito, en route to the city of Benguela.
The municipality of Viana, in Luanda Province, is home to the country's first ChinaTown shopping center.
