The 12th session of the Advisory Council of the Catholic Church, named “Dom Armando Amaral dos Santos” and organized by the Ministry of Energy and Water, took place in the Benguela province from September 27th to 28th. The central theme of the event focused on “Energy and Water: Advancing Expansion and Enhancing Service Quality.” Luís Manuel da Fonseca Nunes, the Governor of Benguela Province, expressed appreciation in his opening speech for choosing the province as the event’s venue and committed to collaborative efforts to address the population’s needs. He particularly emphasized the importance of new investment initiatives for the growing industries in the region.
João Baptista Borges, the Minister for Energy and Water, along with the Secretaries of State for Energy and Water, highlighted the significance of collaboration and support from the Benguela Provincial Government for successful sector projects. Minister Borges stressed the need to attract investments, promote public-private partnerships, optimize the market model, establish appropriate tariff structures, and ensure the sustainability of public enterprises. He underlined 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 brought together sector professionals. Key focus areas included a review of the Sector Action Plan 2018-2022 with the goal of enhancing 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 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 significance 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 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.
