The introduction of new water tariffs aims to bring the real cost of supply closer to the price charged to consumers, which will allow for a reduction in State subsidies, said the Minister of Energy and Water, João Baptista Borges, on Tuesday in Benguela.
Speaking to the local press, the minister stated that the success of the new water tariffs largely depends on billing capacity and on turning the service provided into sustainable revenue, which requires more dynamic, focused, and professional management by companies in the sector.
The minister highlighted that water supply remains the government’s main concern in the province of Luanda, home to over 13 million inhabitants, more than half of whom lack access to piped water.
According to João Baptista Borges, a project is underway to double the water supply capacity of the capital from 600,000 cubic meters to 1.7 million.
The goal, he stressed, is to ensure sufficient capacity to supply more than 7.5 million people. To achieve this, two major systems—Bita and Quilonga—are under construction.
In the southern part of Luanda, construction is ongoing for reservoirs, pipelines, and other infrastructure as part of the 2023–2027 National Development Plan, aimed at transforming the water supply landscape in the capital.
“As you know, currently, water supply in the outskirts is mostly done by water trucks, and people pay very high prices for water that often lacks quality. That is our biggest challenge,” he said, emphasizing that the concern with Luanda is due to its high population density, not just because it’s the capital.
Central and Southern Angola
In the Central-Southern region of the country, the challenges are also significant, the minister acknowledged. Benguela, due to its central location and population density, faces similar issues as Namibe and Cunene, especially in terms of network expansion.
In Moçâmedes and Tômbwa, for instance, there is a need to strengthen the water supply system. In Ondjiva, however, the existing system generally meets current population needs.
João Baptista Borges also warned about the impact of population growth on water and energy infrastructure. “It’s known that Angola has one of the highest population growth rates in the world, at 3.3% per year. That means over 1 million new inhabitants each year, which increases pressure on public services,” he emphasized.
The minister argued that water and energy infrastructure must expand at a rate equal to or greater than population growth, or existing service deficits will worsen.
Source: Jornal de Angola
