Luanda: The Minister of Construction, Urbanism and Housing, Carlos Alberto dos Santos, announced on Friday that significant progress is being made on the main road works providing access to the town of Muxima, with expectations that the project deadlines will be successfully met. This announcement came during the visit of President Joao Louren§o to the area as part of his oversight of the urban requalification mega-project in the historic town.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the project, which spans from Cabala to Muxima (Icolo and Bengo), is divided into two segments. The first segment, covering a distance of 27 kilometers, stretches from the town of Catete to Ponte 17 de Setembro, where construction of a completely new road is underway. The road's width is being increased from 9 to 12 meters, with foundational and drainage work already finalized. Presently, the initial layer of asphalt is being laid, with completion projected by February 2027, inclusive of signage and lighting installations on the bridge.
The second segment extends from the bridge to the village of Muxima and will undergo conservation interventions due to its satisfactory condition. Carlos Alberto dos Santos emphasized that the work schedule is being adhered to and noted that the presence of the Head of State provides a motivational boost and ensures direct updates on the project's progress.
Additionally, a new access route from the south, referred to as Gate B, is being developed to connect Muxima, Demba Chio, Caxarandanda, and Mumbondo to Cabo Ledo. This 145-kilometer route will include a bridge approximately 400 meters in length, facilitating travel from Benguela and Cuanza Sul to the new airport without passing through the center of Luanda. The minister highlighted that this route will enhance mobility, reduce costs, and stimulate the local economy.
Regarding the Catete/Maria Teresa section, part of National Road 230 and measuring 68 kilometers, the completion deadline is set for September 2026, with 53% of the work already completed. Progress had been temporarily halted due to the discovery of explosive devices during the road widening process. These devices were removed with assistance from the Ministry of National Defense, and the road widening to 12 meters has resumed, maintaining the forecasted completion in 2026.
