Luanda — Angola's electricity production capacity will be increased this year with the conclusion of the works of expansion of the Kambambe Dam, in northern Kwanza Norte province expected for July this year, Angop learned Monday in Luanda.

According to a source from the Ministry of Energy and Water, the works of expansion of the dam built in the 1950's started in 2010, with its capacity to be elevated to 700 megawatts, following the creation of a new production station.

The project includes the construction and exploration of mini-dams, under an investment of about Usd 16.5 million, the source added.

According to the source, the new Government plans are focused on areas designated for agricultural and industrial projects.

Information released by the Ministry say that the Usd 12 billion of investment planned for 2016 in the sector of electric energy will be used in the northern system that covers the provinces of Bengo, Kwanza Norte, Kwanza Sul, Luanda, Malanje, Uíge and Zaire.

The project includes the preparation of the systems and expansion of the installed capacity to 5,000 megawatts, thus securing the regular supply of power to the whole country, it was said.

Luanda alone, according to the source, is responsible for using 88 percent of the country's electricity, with the three projects catering for the capital failing to fully meet the needs.

In order to meet the demand, nine new sub-stations and 135 transformers will be put in place to cater for about 50,000 new consumers, under the fourth phase of the Chiang project that started in 2010 to improve the supply in the capital, estimated at Usd 87 million.

Source : allafrica.com