Sumbe Beltway Project to Transform Mobility and Safety in Cuanza-Sul Province

Luanda: Minister of Public Works, Urbanism and Housing Carlos Alberto dos Santos on Wednesday emphasized the significance of the Sumbe Ring Road as one of the most critical engineering projects currently under construction in Cuanza-Sul Province. The minister highlighted its expected positive impact on mobility and road safety during a press briefing on an inspection visit to ongoing projects in the region. According to Angola Press News Agency, the Sumbe Ring Road, which spans 39 kilometers with 23 kilometers already paved, is slated for completion in the first half of 2027. The minister underscored the road's strategic importance, noting that it will significantly alleviate heavy traffic congestion in Sumbe's city center, thereby improving traffic flow and enhancing road safety. This development is particularly crucial for freight transport, as it will redirect heavy vehicles currently navigating through busy urban areas. Motorist Hilário Paulo expressed optimism about the project's potential benefits, st ating that the new ring road will ease traffic and reduce accidents in the city by diverting trucks away from the city center. The Sumbe Ring Road is part of a broader government initiative to improve the road network across Cuanza-Sul Province. Carlos Alberto dos Santos revealed that approximately 300 kilometers of roads along the corridor from Cabo Ledo through Sumbe to the Eval River region are undergoing maintenance. These efforts include pavement repairs, drainage works, road signage, and other measures to enhance traffic conditions and motorist safety. In Sumbe, the maintenance and rehabilitation contract for the EN100 road between the city and the Eval River was launched, covering a distance of 80 kilometers. Cuanza-Sul Governor Eugénio César Laborinho expressed satisfaction with these rehabilitation works, anticipating a reduction in accidents and fatalities on the road. Further, the EN240 rehabilitation contract was announced, covering a 75-kilometer section between the National Petroleum Institute (INP) in Gangula Municipality and Gabela. This project, budgeted at over AOA 104 billion, will be executed by the Hipermaquinas and Conduril consortium and includes significant infrastructure upgrades. The initiative is expected to generate approximately 540 jobs, with potential increases during peak construction periods. Governor Laborinho emphasized the importance of the EN240 rehabilitation for improving connectivity with Cuanza-Sul's interior municipalities, which play a vital role in the province's population and agricultural output. Additionally, the road investment programme includes constructing 14 bridges along the Gabela-Quibala section, with an estimated investment of AOA 55 billion and works set to commence in 2027. These interventions align with the government's strategy to strengthen the national road network, enhance community mobility, and facilitate agricultural produce transportation to markets.