Road Preservation Efforts Intensify with Installation of Weighbridges

Luanda: The Minister of Public Works, Urban Planning, and Housing, Carlos Alberto dos Santos, emphasized the critical need for vehicle weighbridges on national roads. This initiative aims to preserve road infrastructure by monitoring the weight of vehicles, thereby extending the lifespan of the roads. According to Angola Press News Agency, the minister discussed these measures following a contract signing ceremony for the rehabilitation and maintenance of a 215-kilometer stretch of the EN100 highway, specifically the Cabo Ledo-Sumbe section. He announced plans to install a weighbridge on the EN100 by November, located approximately 25 kilometers north of the Cabo Ledo administrative center, to ensure the road's longevity. The minister pointed out that overloading is a significant cause of rapid road deterioration when maintenance is delayed. He stated, "Overloaded vehicles travel on these roads, and we need to enforce strict discipline." The weighbridge, along with another installed in the north, is expecte d to promote discipline among those who continue to drive overloaded vehicles on national roads. Additionally, Carlos Alberto dos Santos mentioned that the road in the Clod zone, at kilometer 30, would be completed this month, and efforts would be accelerated on the Mumbondo-Caxarandanda section in the Quiçama municipality. The provincial governor of Icolo e Bengo, Auzílio Jacob, noted that the rehabilitation and maintenance of this road would significantly reduce traffic accidents, particularly those involving buses. Governor Jacob also revealed that a legislative proposal is being drafted to hold motorists accountable for speeding and collisions with animals in areas where livestock farming is prevalent. He urged the media, traditional, and religious authorities to raise awareness among drivers about respecting speed limits and avoiding collisions with animals.