Luanda: At least 6,363 customers in the municipality of Bailundo have benefited from 24-hour electricity supplied by photovoltaic and hydroelectric systems, since 2022, Deputy Administrator Alberto Bela Vista Joo said on Tuesday.
According to Angola Press News Agency, speaking on the occasion of the 124th anniversary of the founding of the town of Bailundo-marked on the 16th of this month-Joo highlighted the Executive's investments in improving electricity supply and creating conditions for local community development. He stated that the municipal administration would continue its household connection program to increase the number of consumers and contribute to social and economic growth.
He explained that the electricity supply in Bailundo relies on two complementary systems: a photovoltaic system used during the day, comprising 15,600 solar panels, and a hydroelectric system used at night that is interconnected with the national grid. He noted that the municipality of Bailundo has 20 MVA (megavolt-amperes) of electricity available out of a total installed capacity of 27.8 MVA provided by the two operational systems.
According to the official, transformer substations have been installed in the Chimenha, Quil³metro Cinco (Zone B2), Misso do Chilume, Chivululu, Samara Michael, Velha Chica Centro, and Capitango neighborhoods to enable the expansion of the low- and medium-voltage grid. He added that there are also seven customers connected to the medium-voltage grid.
He noted that, prior to 2022, the town of Bailundo relied on generator sets for its electricity supply-operating on an irregular, alternating basis-which served only 1,500 customers. With the commissioning of the current systems, the number of beneficiaries has more than tripled, leading to greater power supply stability and creating better conditions for families, institutions, and local businesses.
The official stated that plans are in place to expand the electrical grid to the communes of Lunge and Luvemba, as well as to other areas of the municipality, as part of programs to improve basic services. Bailundo was elevated to the status of a town via Decree-Law No. 54 (published in Official Gazette No. 1), signed by the Portuguese Captain Teixeira da Silva in 1902.
