Huambo – The representative of the African Development Bank (AfDB) to Angola, Septime Martin, Wednesday in the locality of Calenga, central Huambo province, pledged the commitment of his institution to continue assisting the Government-designed programmes to fight poverty in the country.

On the occasion, the official spoke of the need for new infrastructures, irrigation dams, drinking water systems as fundamental elements.

He stressed the need for a continued dialogue with the concerned ministries towards keeping this trend that has an impact on reducing poverty.

Septime Martin was speaking during a visit intended to assess the rural development projects being funded by his institution, like the “Bom Jesus Calenga” one that is catering for more than 10,000 families from the locality.

 
On the other hand, he spoke of the need for awareness of the peasants about an autonomy.

This, he added, means that the production must be market-oriented, with an organisation to sell and make a profit, with a view to a better investment in the purchase of equipment and autonomous functioning.
 

Meanwhile, Septime Martin considered positive the implementation of the “Bom Jesus Calenga” project, with funds reaching more than Usd 25 million for “Bom Jesus Calenga and Bengo” projects.
 

In his turn, the head of  “Bom Jesus Calenga” project, Rafael dos Anjos Alberto, said the AfDB funding has helped build medical centres and houses in Capungi, Cassupi II and  Sukuandjanli, which is contributing to improve people’s living and accommodation of nurses.

 
The Calenga rural development project has been underway in 43 villages with support of 41cooperatives. It includes the construction of water dykes, irrigation dams, construction of storing facilities for crops and rehabilitation of 82 kilometres of roads. 

The “Bom Jesus Calenga” project started in 2007 and has reached 90 percent of the works that include ploughing and construction of infrastructures.

 
Rafael dos Anjos Alberto added that 38 water abstraction and treatment systems will be built in the inland region of Calenga, and 100 irrigation systems.