The 12th Council of the Catholic Church “Dom Armando Amaral dos Santos,” organized by the Ministry of Energy and Water, occurred in Benguela province from September 27th to 28th. The event centered around the theme “Energy and Water: Towards Expansion and Enhanced Service Quality.” During the opening remarks, Luís Manuel da Fonseca Nunes, the Governor of Benguela Province, expressed appreciation for choosing the province as the event’s location and committed to collaborating to address the population’s needs. He particularly emphasized the significance of new investment projects for the expanding industries in the region.
João Baptista Borges, the Minister for Energy and Water, along with the Secretaries of State for Energy and Water, underscored the importance of cooperation and support from the Benguela Provincial Government for realizing sector projects. Minister Borges stressed the necessity of attracting investments, fostering public-private partnerships, optimizing the market model, ensuring tariff suitability, and ensuring the sustainability of public companies. The Minister highlighted the critical role of improving revenue collection and reducing costs in this context.
The event aimed to evaluate the progress in implementing recommendations from the 11th Consultative Council and bring together professionals from the sector. Key aspects included reviewing the Sector Action Plan 2018-2022 to enhance access and service quality. The focus was on addressing the market model, tariff efficiency, and company sustainability to attract private investment and establish public-private partnerships. Additionally, the Sector’s Action Plan for 2023-2027 was presented.
Parallel activities included 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 highlighted the Dispatch Center’s importance in improving 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 urgent support for his physical disability. Certificates and gifts were distributed to participants. The event was attended by Vice-Governors from Benguela, Bié, Cunene, and Lunda Sul provinces, representatives from various ministries, central and dependent bodies, sector companies’ Boards of Directors, Provincial Offices of Infrastructure and Technical Services, partners, local authorities, and virtual attendees via the Zoom platform, totaling 224 participants.
