Last Thursday in Benguela, the Minister of Energy and Water delivered a noteworthy statement concerning the Cunje Hydroelectric Power Plant located in Camacupa, Bié province. He disclosed that despite being inactive for more than thirty years due to damage from the armed conflict, the plant is set to resume operations later this year. Minister João Baptista Borges highlighted its installed capacity of around one megawatt and expressed contentment with its modest scale, recognizing its significant contribution to the national electricity generation infrastructure.
During the inauguration of the ministry’s 12th Consultative Council, centered on “Energy and Water Towards Expansion and Improved Quality of Services,” the Minister addressed the sector’s challenges. He provided a thorough examination of the current status of companies under the ministry’s authority, emphasizing “constraints and inefficiencies” that threaten sector stability. Minister Borges highlighted issues within the National Electricity Distribution Company (ENDE), including the absence of an effective commercial management system and a notable deficit of meters, particularly among major clients.
Speaking on the water sector, the Minister voiced apprehension regarding losses, notably in Luanda Province, where inefficiency stands at approximately 30%. He emphasized the pressing requirement for modernizing the management system, encompassing the customer database. Minister Borges also urged Empresa Pública de Águas de Luanda (EPAL) to adopt a robust, fraud-resistant, and easily auditable metering system, endorsing tariff adjustments to counteract waste stemming from vandalism and illegal tapping. Considering the revenue difficulties confronting companies in the electricity and water sectors, the Minister encouraged managers to explore innovative solutions to tackle these ongoing challenges. João Baptista Borges João Baptista Borges
