Luanda - National Council of Waters (CNA) discussed Thursday in Luanda the plan for the period 2023/2027, according to the communique from the 8th session of the National Council chaired by the Vice-president of the Republic, Esperança da Costa.
The plan “embodies a set of activities, visions and short, medium and long-term perspectives, of a strategic nature.”
The plan is in line with the Long-Term Strategy – “Angola 2050” and the action plans for the Energy and Water sector 2018-2022/2023-2027, national water sector, general development and use of water resources in the basins hydrographic and internal structure of the CNA.
According to the document, in the period 2017-2022, the operating regulations for the commissions and permanent secretariat were drawn up, agreements were established within the scope of the International river basin commissions and the water supply was improved in the context of combating drought in the southern region of country.
The CNA reiterated its interest in seeing the conclusion of the review and update of the 1969 Agreement, relating to the use of water resources in the Cunene river basin between Angola and Namibia, and the regularisation of concessions for the use of high-impact water resources economic, social and environmental.
The meeting analysed the management of the Cunene multi-purpose hydraulic project, aiming to ensure adequate conservation of the “Cafu System”, at a time when the first phase of structural projects to combat the effects of the drought in southern Angola is being concluded.
The 8th ordinary session of the CNA also evaluated the proposed regulation for the creation, structuring, organization and functioning of river basin councils, the purpose of which is to ensure coordination and articulation between the different sectors of public and private law, including local communities , within the framework of planning, management and use of water resources.
It analyzed the criteria for preparing municipal water and sanitation master plans, taking into account physical, technological, economic, institutional and social aspects with a focus on supplying both urban centers and rural populations.
The National Water Council assessed the strategies to combat illegal sale of water in Luanda, aiming to ensure the regular distribution of water to the capital's municipalities, where the provincial water company (EPAL) would need, at least, one billion cubic meters , against the current 781,000.00 m3.
The members analyzed the general bases for implementing the Water Capture Fee and the Process of Regularisation of Concessions and Licenses for the Use of Water Resources, an economic instrument for the valorisation, protection, conservation and preservation of water for sustainable and rational use.
With the approval of Presidential Decree No. 14/21 of February 12th – Legal Regime of the Water Capture Fee from the Water Domain, the National Institute of Water Resources (INRH) began the process of implementing the collection of the water capture fee relating to 2021 financial year.
Council members were informed about advances in combating waterborne diseases, such as acute diarrhea, typhoid fever and hepatitis, as well as neglected tropical waterborne diseases.
The CNA, created by Presidential Decree No. 76/17, of April 20, is a permanent advisory body to the Holder of Executive Power, coordinating between the different Ministerial Departments, linked directly and indirectly to the management and use of water resources. Jfs/SC/NIC
