Cuanza-Norte: President João Lourenço learnt on Wednesday about the socio-economic situation of the Cuanza Norte province, as part of his 48-hour working visit to the region. During the meeting, the local governor João Diogo Gaspar presented the general picture in the areas of energy, health, higher education, housing, youth and sport, transport, fisheries, industry, culture, and other areas of social interest.
According to Angola Press News Agency, João Gaspar described the social concerns and difficulties of the ten municipalities that will become 17 with the implementation of the new Political-Administrative Division next year. The governor mentioned that the province has an estimated population of 586,000 inhabitants, and the ongoing general population and housing census could reveal a different demographic picture of the province.
Regarding water supply, the governor emphasized the need for more water supply systems, highlighting that only 93,000 out of the 586,000 inhabitants have access to drinking w
ater, representing 16% of the population. In terms of energy, the governor stated that all municipal seats and some communes are currently electrified, with expectations that the electrification rate could reach 75% by 2027.
On Tuesday, as part of his working day, João Lourenço inaugurated the General Hospital of Cuanza-Norte, named Mário Pinto de Andrade. The hospital offers health services in areas including surgery, physical rehabilitation, neonatology, emergency, and intensive care. On the same day, the Head of State also reviewed the progress of the new water supply project in Ndalatando and visited a local agricultural products fair showcasing beans, tomatoes, corn, onions, cassava, carrots, eggplants, pumpkins, and pineapples.