Lobito- The new road bridge over the Catumbela river, central Benguela province, will ensure the implementation of various projects and re-launch of economic activities in the region, said the director-general of the port of Lobito, José Carlos Gomes.

The official said this to ANGOP after the inauguration of the infrastructure this Thursday by the Angolan Head of State, José Eduardo dos Santos.

He noted that the construction of the new bridge is a strategic plan of the government for the economy sector, as it will contribute to a quicker circulation of vehicles in the road number 100 linking the country's capital to the central and southern regions of the country.

The source informed that the port of Lobito handled over 1.5 million tonnes, in the first half of 2009, figures that represent the company’s growth, having also announced the construction project of a dry port in Bairro Luz ward, and the construction of a quay for loading and unloading mineral material.