Angola

United Nations and Spanish Cooperation support Water and Sanitation Networks in Angola

Luanda, 24 July 2009 - A Joint Water and Sanitation (WatSan) Programme to benefit 120 thousand people directly and about 400 thousand others indirectly will be implemented by the United Nations in the urban and peri-urban areas of Angola from 2009 through 2011, with the support of the Spanish Cooperation.

The programme was launched on July 23, in Luanda, during a workshop organized by the United Nations and the Secretary of State for Waters.

The overall objective is to promote equitable economic development and democratic governance in agreement with international norms, by strengthening the national capacity at all levels, through community capacity building, and thus, increasing the participation in the making of decisions.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the UN System Angola Resident Coordinator, Mrs. Jocelline Bazile-Finley, said that the launching of this first WatSan Programme in Angola was a significant and strategic contribution to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, whose global aim is to halve the number of people without access to drinking water and appropriate sanitation.

“This program will help to reduce poverty, child mortality, diseases, as well as to guarantee gender equity. It is an opportunity for UN agencies to work together and support the Government and its people, and contribute in strengthening of partnership between Angola and the United Nations”, she stressed.

According to the UN Official, the Government of Angola has been showing commitment in keeping the investment level in social sectors, as well as towards the Poverty Reduction Strategy.

In his turn, the Secretary of State for Waters, Mr. Luís Filipe da Silva, said that the programme will become an important component from the set of Government programmes, to enable water supply to the whole population by Year 2012.

“The Government’s goal by 2012 is to increase and improve drinking water supply in the areas without access, benefitting 80 percent of the population, through the “Water for All” programme. We expect to be able to distribute at least 100 liters of water per day to each inhabitant, however we are still below this goal”, the Government official said, adding that besides the chosen areas in Luanda and Moxico, the programme is likely to be extended to other areas, based on the experience.