Cuvelai: The Ndue Hydroelectric Dam, located in the Cuvelai Municipality of Cunene Province, was officially inaugurated this Saturday by President Joo Louren§o. The president personally pressed the button to open the floodgates of this strategic infrastructure, which is aimed at mitigating the recurring droughts that affect the southern region of Angola.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the Angolan Head of State initiated the ceremony by cutting a ribbon, marking the commencement of the dam's operation. The Ndue dam is expected to provide immediate benefits to approximately 55,000 residents and sustain 60,000 heads of cattle. Additionally, the project is anticipated to generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities, predominantly for the youth in the area.
President Louren§o is also scheduled to unveil the Calucuve dam later on the same day, which is situated within the same municipality. The Ndue and Calucuve dams are part of five critical initiatives designed to combat the drought challenges in Cunene Province.
Construction of the Ndue and Calucuve dams commenced on October 28, 2021, with the laying of the foundation stone by Carolina Cerqueira, the then Minister of State for Social Affairs. These projects represent significant infrastructure efforts aimed at addressing the cyclical droughts that impact water supply, livestock, and agricultural activities in southern Angola.
In a related effort, President Louren§o inaugurated the Water Transfer System on the Cafu Canal in Cunene Province in 2022. This system ensures water access for 235,000 people and 250,000 animals, while also irrigating 5,000 hectares of agricultural land.
