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November
2004 (Click here for other countries) PLEASE NOTE: Readers wishing to reproduce and reference the articles listed below should contact the source for permission. ANGOLASenegal : Water Minister At World Forum On " Wash " in DakarAngola Press Agency, November 29, 2004 DAKAR: The Angolan Minister of Energy and Water Affairs, Botelho de Vasconcelos is representing the country in the world forum on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) opened today, in Dakar, Senegal under the theme, local and national actions and solutions for everyone. Organised by the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC), the event aims to speed up the execution of measures on the water supply, sanitation and hygiene, tending to enable the achievement of the Millennium development goals. The actions to be undertaken depend on the acquisition of funds, holding of partnerships, reinforcement of the capacities and the authority of the organisations and the local public powers, in order to proceed with changes so that "Wash" can attain a place of distinction in the development process. Sensitising the world opinion about the objectives of "Wash" and define political guidance and concrete experiences for the activities of the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council, are amongst other aspects to be tackled during the meeting. At the opening session, chaired by the Senegalese Minister of Justice, Serigne Diop, in representation of Prime-Minister, Macky Sall, there have been read messages from the UN secretary-general, Kofi Annan, and the director general of the World Health Organisation (WHO). According to the organisers, nearly 400 people are participating in the works that will continue until December 4th. Accompanied the Angolan Energy and Water Affairs Minister, the directors of his office and of the Office for the Administration of Cunene Rivers' Hydrograph Basin (Gabhic), respectively Massamba Cardoso and Gomes da Silva. http://allafrica.com/stories/200411301081.html US$200 Million Spent in Water, SanitationAngola Press Agency, November 26, 2004 CABINDA: At least Usd 200 million have been spent over the last seven years in the strengthening of capacity of captation, treatment and distribution of drinking water in Angola. The information was released today by the spokesman for the 6th methodological and appraisal meeting of the water and sanitation sector, Kianu Vangu, that is going since Tuesday in northern Cabinda province. However, the source said that investments of around Usd 562 million are still to be made until the year 2007. Kianu Vangu said as well that 61,6 percent of the population have access to drinking water, while 59,4 percent enjoy adequate sanitation services. In the urban areas, 70,9 percent have access to drinking water, of which 34 with minimum requirements. Another 74,1 percent have access to sanitation services, with only 18,5 connected with appropriate networks. On the other hand, in the rural areas, it is estimated that only 39,9 percent of the population access drinking water and 25.5 benefit from some kind of sanitary equipment. He said that currently the country produces about 550.000 cubic metres of water a day. Meanwhile, until the year 2015 the country will need to produce more than 900.000 cubic metres of water a day, in order to meet the millennium goal of 1.500.000 cubic metres per day. Kianu Vangua pointed that the goals set by the UN Millennium Summit on Development aims at reducing to its half the population with no access to drinking water and appropriate sanitation. He also mentioned the provinces of Cunene, part of Huíla, Namibe and some areas of Benguela are the country's most critical ones regarding the supply of drinking water. http://allafrica.com/stories/200411290962.html Cabinda : Sixth Methodological Meeting On Water Starts TodayAngola Press Agency, November 23, 2004 LUANDA: Water Technicians are holding today the Sixth Methodological Meeting in Angola's northern Cabinda province to discuss the supply of water in urban and peripheral zones across the country. The meeting that will close on Friday is to be chaired by the sector's deputy minister, Rui Tito, and will also discuss the importance of an appropriate management of hydric resources, the Angolan juridical system for the setting up of public companies. The sessions will tackle programme for the control of water quality and sanitary surveillence of the country's supplying and sewers systems. The meeting will also assess the Government and United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) programme on the distribution and sanitation in rural areas and the accomplishment of recommendations from the previous meeting, are also on the agenda of the meeting. The sector's 5th Methodological Meeting was held form 10-13 June 2003, in Sumbe, central Kwanza-Sul province. http://allafrica.com/stories/200411230687.html Authorities Analyse Water Supply Nation-WideAngola Press Agency, November 22, 2004 LUANDA: The current situation of water supply to the country's urban centres and outskirts will be tackled from Tuesday to Friday in Angola's northern Cabinda province, during the sixth Methodological and Balance meeting of the Water and Sanitation Sector. According to an official with the National Management of Water and Energy Ministry, the meeting, to be chaired by the deputy minister of the sector, Rui Tito, will also discuss the importance of an adequate management of water resources, Angolan juridical regime for the creation of public companies linked to the sector. The works will have as objective the presentation of programmes for the control of water quality and sanitary vigilance of the supply and drainage system of the country. On the other hand, the balance of the government programme and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on water supply and sanitation in the rural areas and the degree of fulfilment of the recommendations made on the previous meeting is part of the working agenda of this meeting. The Fifth Methodological and Balance Meeting of the Water Affairs sector was held last year July 10-13 in Sumbe city, Angola 's central Kwanza-Sul province. http://allafrica.com/stories/200411221430.html Government Builds Drinking Water System in CapelongoAngola Press Agency, November 21, 2004 LUBANGO: A new drinking water supply and captation system will, as from next year, be built in the communes of Capelongo and Argeres, Matala district, southern Huila province, in the ambit of a government programme designed to improve the basic and social services delivered to the population. The information was given to ANGOP, in Lubango, by the provincial director of Energy and Water Affairs, Abel Joao da Costa, who added that the projects will start likely in mid-January of next year and will benefit more than 30.000 local people. The projects will be financed by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Central Government, whose technical conditions are already in place. http://allafrica.com/stories/200411221336.html Angola/Moxico: Governor Re-Inaugurates Water Supply System in Lumeje-CameiaAngola Press Agency, November 14, 2004 LUENA: The water supply system of Angola's eastern Moxico province's Lumeje-Cameia district that was stopped for more than 20 years, was re-inaugurated on Saturday by the provincial governor, João Ernesto dos Santos "Liberdade", as part of the commemorations of the National Independence's 29th anniversary. The repair that was carried out by the Portuguese Kalipre company, was estimated at over USD 300.000. Besides rehabilitating the water supply system, the company built a public bathing, three laundries, and installed a water supply network in districts located at about 102 kilometres east of Luena. According to Kalipre official, Vaz Leitão, four districts of this Angolan eastern province, namely Luacano, Luau, Lumeje-Cameia and Moxico (capital), have the water distribution systems repaired. Vaz Leitão assured that works of that kind will continue in the next days, in Cazombo (Alto-Zambeze), Lumbala-Nguimbo (Bundas) Cangamba (Luchazes) and Leua http://allafrica.com/stories/200411150786.html Huila: Government Spends USD 200.000 in Water, Energy ProjectAngola Press Agency, November 13, 2004 LUBANGO: The Government of southern Huila province has spent this year about USD 200.000 in the execution of a drinking water and electrical energy supplying project at Caconda municipality, 280 km north of Lubango city. The system was inaugurated on Thursday on the occasion of the 29th anniversary of Angola Independence, in the framework of the government programme designed to provide basic needs to the population. According to the Provincial Director of Water and Energy, Abel Joao da Costa, the execution of the project took around six months and will benefit over 15,000 people in the chief-town of Caconda and its outskirts. Mr da Costa added that the project is included in the programme which the government and its partners have been carrying out in the southern province in order to benefit the local population, aiming the fight against poverty in Huila. http://allafrica.com/stories/200411150286.html
BOTSWANABPC Posts Net Profit of Over P200 MillionMmegi/The Reporter, November 26, 2004 GABORONE: The Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) posted a net profit of P206 million while its revenue grew from P525 million to P581 million at the end of March 2004. According to the corporation's 2004 annual report, this constituted a 10 percent increase as compared to 20 percent during the 2002/2003 financial year. The operating income of P66 million is 28 percent lower than the previous year and is mainly attributed to an increase in operating expenses, especially coal and imported energy. In his preview, the chairman of the board of BPC, Moses Lekaukau attributed the increase in revenue to a load growth of 10 percent and a six percent tariff increase that was effected during the last month of the financial year. He also indicated that the other factor was the continued growth in earnings from monies lent through the Relaxed Payment Schemes, which form significant business activity. Meanwhile, Lekaukau said that operating expenses increased from P444 million to P526 million, constituting an 18 percent increase. Significant costs were the cost of power/energy imports, employee related costs, depreciation, with major cost drivers being the devaluation of the Pula and the price of coal. He said the net effect of increase in revenue being less than the increase in operating costs was a drop in operating profit by 28 percent with a four percent drop in net profit. He sees the significant drop in net profit, thereby failing to meet the set target of six percent return on the Revalued Fixed Assets, against an actual performance of five percent as a major setback. The BPC chairman said measures are being put in place to achieve the set target within the next two financial years, by end March 31st, 2006. Lekaukau said the key financial performance indicators clearly show that the year under review was financially, not an easy one. "It was both financially and technically a difficult one," he said. "Despite the below target financial performance, I am pleased to report that the corporation's financial position remained relatively healthy. However, there is an urgent need to ensure that financial targets are met by March 31, 2006," Lekaukau cautioned. He noted that the fact that more than 70 percent of the country's power/energy requirements were met through imports from the Southern African Pool utilities was clear testimony that the corporation was a very active member of the regional pool. "The Botswana Power Corporation continued to participate actively in the Southern African Power Pool (SAAP) activities. BPC continued to trade in the power pool, support the transformation of SAPP to a competitive power pool and the general restructuring of SAPP utilities," the chairman declared. Lekaukau stressed that the challenge of providing the country with reliable, affordable and good quality supply against a backdrop of ever reducing surplus electricity supplies in the region requires particular attention. According to the report, the corporation's profitability was affected by an adverse business environment. Some of the destabilising factors that were mentioned included lower electricity consuming by the mining sector, cost escalation of imported electricity and coal, the devaluation of Pula against the South African Rand and the high volume of energy import caused by unit trips. The report said revenue sales increased by 10 percent to P558 million. Interest received on consumer loans increased by 20 percent to P21 million. The gross revenue, including interest earned on consumer loans has increased by 10 percent to P581 million. The report said the escalation in the cost of coal, imported energy and other input costs pushed the operating expenses by 18 percent to P526 million. The energy import accounted for 26 percent of the total expenses and the depreciation accounted for 20 percent. The total assets increased by 12 percent to P3.036 million. Property, plant and equipment increased by eight percent to P1.399 million. The consumer loans, which include both Hire Purchase Scheme financed by the corporation and Rural Collective Schemes financed by the government, to meet the capital connection cost, has increased by 21 percent to P180 million. The Rural Collective Scheme is funded by the government to provide electricity for rural consumers. BPC administers the scheme on behalf of the government. The report noted that rural electrification and network development required the establishment of more District Service Centres to service the remote areas. "The initial high investments together with a low uptake require a long payback period for the new customer service centres, putting pressure on the corporation's operating costs and profitability in the short run," said the annual report. http://allafrica.com/stories/200411290892.html Eskom Problems Inspire ProjectMmegi/The Reporter, November 9, 2004 GABORONE: The proposed multi-billion Inga River hydropower project has become necessary because of the envisaged problems of regional power giant Eskom. There are fears that the South African company may experience problems by 2010 and fail to meet the power needs of the region. Botswana is among the SADC countries, which will benefit from the Inga project. Last month, energy ministers in the region met and signed a memorandum of understanding, which gave the Inga River project the go ahead. Shareholders that include power utilities in the region would sign an agreement that establishes the company that will run the multi-billion project early next month. At its full operation, the project on the Inga River in the DRC is said to be capable of supplying the entire African continent with power with a surplus to sell. "This is a heavy current of electricity, which will be sourced from the DRC and it could produce about 30, 000 megawatts," former Botswana minister for Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Boometswe Mokgothu said last week. Botswana will host the headquarters of the company to run the project. The country currently gets over 80 percent of electricity from Eskom although it produces its own power at Morupule outside Palapye. "By 2010, there will be power shortage in the region and we want to finish this (the project) early to counter the deficit," Mokgothu added. The project described as long term by Mokgothu will include most of the SADC countries like DRC, South Africa, Angola and Namibia among others. Some of these countries together with Lesotho, Mozambique and Swaziland get their power from Eskom, which produces two thirds of electricity in Africa. Botswana is preparing for the possible power shortage from Eskom by expanding its Morupule Colliery. Eskom is experiencing a downward trend in electricity consumption and has seen its net profits falling. The country plans to start an export-based power station in Mamabule. Botswana imports about 80 percent of its electricity from South Africa. http://allafrica.com/stories/200411090109.html
MOZAMBIQUEExpansion of Maputo Water SystemAgencia de Informacao de Mocambique, November 30, 2004 MAPUTO: Mozambique's Minister of Public Works, Roberto White, on Tuesday reiterated the government's commitment to reduce the water supply deficit, not only in urban centres, but even in the country's most remote rural areas. He was speaking in Maputo's Ferroviario neighbourhood, at the ceremony laying the first stone for a rehabilitation and expansion of the city's water system. The government's Water Assets and Investment Fund (FIPAG), after an international public tender, has contracted the Chinese company, the China Metallurgical Construction Corporation, to undertake the work, which will increase the city's capacity to treat water from 120,000 to 144,000 cubic metres a day. By building a new water distribution centre in the Laulane neighbourhhod, and expanding the existing one at Maxaquene, the storage capacity will rise from 150,000 to 190,000 cubic metres. The distribution network will expand to areas in the northeast of the city so far not touched by the distribution network, making piped water available for a further 200,000 people. The project is due to be completed in 19 months. White pointed out that, despite significant investments made over the past decade, currently only 38 per cent of Maputo's population is served by the public network. The same network also serves the adjacent city of Matola, and the district of Boane. Currently 81,000 homes and establishments and 438 public standpipes are linked to the network, serving a total of 650,000 inhabitants in Maputo, Matola and Boane. The Mayor of Maputo, Eneas Comiche, told the ceremony that this project showed that the City Council was complying with the manifesto on which he was elected in 2003. "Aware of the importance of water in the struggle against diseases such as cholera, we have decided to expand and improve the supply system in the north of the municipality", he said. http://allafrica.com/stories/200411301570.html Cahora Bassa Power Reaches SenaAgencia de Informacao de Mocambique, November 29, 2004 MAPUTO: Sena town, on the south bank of the Zambezi, in the central Mozambican province of Sofala, started on Wednesday receiving electric power from the Cahora Bassa dam, reports Monday's issue of the Maputo daily "Noticias". This power line is an extension from the town of Chimuara, in Zambezia province, through the district of Mutarara, in Tete, and across the river. It was installed at a cost of 5.3 million US dollars, granted by the government of Sweden. The commercial director of the Mozambique Electricity Company (EDM), Higino Fabiao, said that the money was used to install a 60 kilometre long transport line, transformation posts and street lights.In Sena alone, EDM has invested about one million US dollars. Here, EDM has already registered 71 consumers, including the local health centre, schools, public institutions, and other clients. During the inauguration ceremony, chaired by Sofala provincial governor Felicio Zacarias, Fabiao said that his company has practically completed its master plan, aimed at extending the national grid to the entire country over the next 15 years. The Sena transmission line is part of the rural power distribution to the districts of Morrumbala and Mopeia, in Zambezia, also funded by the Swedish government. Fabiao said that EDM is planning for next year to extend power supply to the Sofala towns of Caia, Murraca, Inhamitanga and Inhaminga. With electricity, Sena is now able to improve the conservation of its meat and fish products, since its population lives essentially on fishing, in the Zambezi , and on cattle raising. During the ceremony, Zacarias urged local residents to take advantage of this undertaking and increase their production, to ensure sustainable development of the area. http://allafrica.com/stories/200411301540.html SA writes down decade old Cahora Bassa loanThe Namibian, November 8, 2004 CAPE TOWN - South Africa has written down a multi-million rand loan, dating back 35 years, to the operators of Mozambique's Cahora Bassa hydro-electric project, the department of minerals and energy said on Friday. The 35 million rand loan to Hidroelectica de Cahora Bassa (HCB), guaranteed by Mozambique's former colonial ruler Portugal, had grown through accumulated interest to 347 million rand, the energy department said in its 2003/04 annual report. The South African government put up the money in 1969 to set up a hydro-electric project on the massive Cahora Bassa dam in northern Mozambique to generate energy for Mozambique and South Africa. But a war of independence and following civil war hampered the project, which did not function between 1984 and 1999 as a result, making repayments impossible. "Over the past years, the department's financial statements have indicated that the recoverability of this loan is doubtful, a view that still stands," the department's director-general Sandile Nogxina said. "To continue reflecting this amount in the books of the department at the current value of (347 million rand) would not be a fair representation of the financial status of the department." The loan has been written down to one rand and has been transferred to the department of trade and industry. "It needs to be emphaised that the writing down of the loan to one rand does not in any way negate the South African government's creditor status in the Cahora Bassa project," Nogxina said. Portugal, which owns a majority stake in HCB, has promised to speed up the return of the stake to Mozambique, which Portugual quit along with its other African colonies in the mid-1970s. -Nampa-Reuters http://www.namibian.com.na/2004/october/marketplace/047725C3AD.html New Programme for Cholera PreventionAgencia de Informacao de Mocambique, November 5, 2004 MAPUTO: The Mozambican Health Ministry launched on Thursday a new programme to purify drinking water and thus help prevent diarrhoeal diseases, including cholera. It is estimated that about 5,000 children aged under five die of diarrheal diseases around the world every day. The new programme, to be implemented by the NGO Population Services International (PSI), is for the distribution of a new water purification product, named "Certeza" (Portuguese for "certainty"). The manufacture and marketing of the product is to cost 200,000 US dollars during the next 18 months. Speaking during the launching ceremony, deputy national health director Avertino Barreto stressed the importance of this new product in public health in Mozambique, pointing out that it has been extremely costly to treat the cyclical outbreaks of cholera the country has suffered. "This is another product that will be good to improve public health", he said, adding, however, that "both this drug and the cholera vaccines are not the solution. These are simply instruments, and the solution still lies on prevention". Barreto acknowledged that the health ministry alone cannot solve all the country's health problems, hence it relies on partnerships with NGOs to help manufacture various products that help improve public health. "Before, we had the problem of goiter, and we introduced iodised salt, then we needed impregnated mosquito nets to fight against malaria, and today we are introducing "certeza", that helps in the fight against cholera and the effects of HIV/AIDS", he recalled. This product has been tested in other countries and showed an efficacy rate of about 85 per cent, It is described as simple and practical. Barreto said that it is particularly important that the product is launched at the beginning of the rainy season, when the country is at risk of water-borne diseases such as cholera. "Thus we are certain that even without the cholera vaccine we will solve some of the problems", he said. "Certeza" is to be sold in 150 millilitre bottles in chemists, shops, and even in informal stalls, at the price of 8,000 meticais (about 27 US cents). That quantity is enough to treat 1,500 litres of water. http://allafrica.com/stories/200411050355.html This page was last updated 23 December 2004. |