Luanda - The rector of the Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception, Father Vicente Pinto de Melo, said Monday in Luanda Province that the construction of the Basilica of Our Lady of Muxima, in the commune of the same name, is progressing well.
Speaking to the press at the end of a meeting with the first Deputy Speaker of National Assembly, Américo Cunonoca, the prelate made it known that the project to build the Basilica of Muxima is going as planned.
“We have been following it since the laying of the foundation stone, despite some inconveniences, it is moving at a good pace and let us hope that things materialise on schedule, it is always a gain for the country and for the Muxima village”.
The first Deputy Speaker of the legislative body said he had, among other things, presented the conditions that the Muxima Sanctuary has been experiencing in the run-up to the pilgrimage.
As part of improving the living conditions of the communities, in July 2022 the Head of State, João Lourenço, laid the foundation stone for the urban regeneration of the town of Muxima and the construction of the future Sanctuary of Our Lady of Muxima also known as Basilica of Our Lady of Muxima.
The new sanctuary will be built next to the old chapel, by the river, in an area of 10 hectares, with the capacity to accommodate 4,600 seated believers, a square for 200,000 pilgrims, a car park with capacity for 1,117 vehicles, a clergy building and residences for priests and nuns.
For urban regeneration, the project includes social facilities such as a medical centre, local administration, the National Police command, a school, a community centre and a campsite.
The Head of State said on the occasion that the biggest project is the urban refurbishment of the village, where the sanctuary will be built, much more modern and with a new cathedral.
It is a seat of the municipality of Quissama, located 125 kilometres from the city of Luanda, is a tourist area and very popular on the eve of pilgrimages with the Catholic believers from all over the country and the world.
With urban regeneration and the construction of the Basilica, the town will attract more tourists and raise more revenue for the state.
The project to redevelop the Muxima village will last 36 months and generate around 3,000 jobs.
DC/VIC/MRA/jmc
