The 12th Council of the Catholic Church “Dom Armando Amaral dos Santos,” orchestrated by the Ministry of Energy and Water, unfolded in Benguela province from September 27th to 28th. The central theme of the event revolved around “Energy and Water: Advancing Expansion and Elevating Service Quality.” In his inaugural address, Luís Manuel da Fonseca Nunes, the Governor of Benguela Province, conveyed appreciation for the selection of the province as the event’s venue and committed to collaborative efforts to address the populace’s needs. He specifically underscored the significance of new investment initiatives for the burgeoning industries in the region.
João Baptista Borges, the Minister for Energy and Water, together with the Secretaries of State for Energy and Water, stressed the importance of collaboration and support from the Benguela Provincial Government to actualize sector projects. Minister Borges highlighted the imperative of attracting investments, fostering public-private partnerships, optimizing the market model, ensuring appropriate tariff structures, and securing the sustainability of public enterprises. The Minister emphasized the crucial role of enhancing revenue collection and minimizing costs in this context.
The event aimed to evaluate the progress in implementing recommendations from the 11th Consultative Council and convened professionals from the sector. Key focal points included a review of the Sector Action Plan 2018-2022 with a goal to enhance access and service quality. The emphasis was on addressing the market model, tariff efficiency, and company sustainability to attract private investments and establish public-private partnerships. Additionally, the Sector’s Action Plan for 2023-2027 was unveiled.
Parallel activities encompassed visits to the Biópio photovoltaic plant managed by PRODEL and the inauguration of ENDE’s Regional Dispatch Center in Lobito, Benguela province. Minister João Baptista Borges underscored the Dispatch Center’s significance in enhancing the efficiency of the National Electricity Distribution Company’s customer service, aligning with the Strategy for the Technological Evolution of Distribution Services.
During the ceremony, Minister Borges presented a three-wheeled motorcycle to José André, demonstrating solidarity and providing urgent support for his physical disability. Certificates and gifts were distributed to participants. The event drew the participation of Vice-Governors from Benguela, Bié, Cunene, and Lunda Sul provinces, representatives from various ministries, central and dependent bodies, Boards of Directors of sector companies, Provincial Offices of Infrastructure and Technical Services, partners, local authorities, and virtual attendees via the Zoom platform, totaling 224 participants.