Luanda: President Joo Lourenço reaffirmed on Monday that the government will continue to invest heavily in expanding the electricity and drinking water supply throughout the country to guarantee economic development and the well-being of the population. Speaking to the press after inaugurating the Luau Photovoltaic Park in the eastern province of Moxico, the Head of State said that the new infrastructure reinforces the national strategy of increasing the energy supply, as energy is an indispensable element of economic growth. According to Angola Press News Agency, the president added that the government is working to ensure a healthy population through the expansion of drinking water and a more dynamic economy sustained by electricity. The president emphasized the importance of the energy sector in attracting investment, particularly in the manufacturing industry, stating, 'There can be no development without energy. There can be no economy without energy. There can be no industry without energy.' The state sman outlined the objective of transforming agricultural production into consumer goods by creating added value and revitalizing the national economy. With regard to achieving universal electrification, Joo Lourenço assured the public that the government will continue to expand the network to all 21 provinces while simultaneously investing in various energy sources, including hydroelectric, thermal, and photovoltaic. The Head of State highlighted the priority given to clean energy sources, particularly hydroelectric and solar energy, as fossil fuels become scarcer and more expensive. He assured that where the national grid does not reach, alternatives such as solar parks would be utilized. The president also mentioned the government's commitment to extending the solar park installation program beyond the initially planned 60 locations by 2027, aiming to serve populated areas and those with economic activity. In addition to the environmental benefits, investing in renewable energies would help reduce public spending due to the high cost of fossil fuels. With regard to the security of the infrastructure, covering over 60 hectares, Joo Lourenço advocated the direct involvement of communities in its protection. He emphasized the role of collective awareness and community responsibility in preventing acts of vandalism and stressed the importance of reporting and holding potential offenders accountable to safeguard strategic investments for local and national development.
