Benguela: The inclusive sanitation project for the coastal cities in the province of Benguela, to be implemented by the National Water Directorate, is valued at 150 million dollars, ANGOP learned on Monday.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Joana Ablio, a specialist from the National Water Directorate, discussed on Lobito radio station that the project is being financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Angolan government, with a timeline of five years.
The initiative aims to enhance sanitation service access in the five municipalities of Lobito, Catumbela, Benguela, Navegantes, and Baa Farta. Ablio noted that the Lobito and Benguela Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) will undergo remodeling and expansion to boost their capacity. Additionally, new infrastructure for fecal sludge treatment is planned to cater to informal settlements lacking networked sanitation services.
Ablio elaborated that these areas will receive septic tank collection and cleaning services, along with sludge transportation until they develop specialization in fecal sludge. A recent survey assessed existing sanitation practices across the five municipalities to better understand the current situation.
She further mentioned that contracts have been signed and work will commence shortly. The National Water Directorate (DNA) also plans to engage with communities to gather input and eventually develop tailored tariff proposals for each municipality. The project, set to launch in 2024, is expected to create multiple jobs, including both temporary and permanent positions, utilizing local labor and requiring technical assistance, supervision, and other services.
