The 12th session of the Advisory Council of the Catholic Church, referred to as “Dom Armando Amaral dos Santos” and coordinated by the Ministry of Energy and Water, transpired in the Benguela province from September 27th to 28th. The central theme of the event revolved around “Energy and Water: Advancing Expansion and Enhancing Service Quality.” Luís Manuel da Fonseca Nunes, the Governor of Benguela Province, conveyed gratitude in his opening remarks for the selection of the province as the event’s venue and pledged collaborative efforts to address the needs of the population. He particularly underscored the significance of initiating new investment projects for the burgeoning industries in the region.
João Baptista Borges, the Minister for Energy and Water, alongside the Secretaries of State for Energy and Water, emphasized the importance of collaboration and support from the Benguela Provincial Government for the success of sector projects. Minister Borges stressed the imperative to attract investments, promote public-private partnerships, optimize the market model, establish suitable tariff structures, and ensure the sustainability of public enterprises. He highlighted the crucial role of enhancing revenue collection and reducing costs in this context.
The event aimed to assess the progress in implementing recommendations from the 11th Consultative Council and brought together professionals from the sector. Key areas of focus included the review of the Sector Action Plan 2018-2022 with the objective of improving access and service quality. Emphasis was placed 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 involved 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 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 was attended by 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.
