A major Chinese-led infrastructure initiative is underway in eastern Luanda, Angola’s capital. The Quilonga Water Supply Project, built by PowerChina (Power Construction Corporation of China), aims to significantly improve water availability across the city and relieve livelihoods strained by decades of supply instability.
Agents at the construction site report that some neighborhoods currently receive water only once every two to three days, in large part due to drought, aging facilities, and insufficient distribution capacity. The project is designed to fill a gap in supply estimated at up to 50% in affected areas.
When completed, the project will include:
- A raw water pumping station with daily capacity of 570,000 cubic meters;
- A 12.5-km raw water pipeline;
- A treatment plant capable of processing 500,000 cubic meters per day;
- Five distribution centers across the region.
Local stakeholders have expressed optimism. Figueira Kalunga, a safety technician, noted that the project not only creates jobs but also promises enduring benefits once residents have reliable water access. The Secretary of State for Water, Antonio Fernandes Rodrigues Belsa da Costa, expects the project to “basically close the gap” in eastern Luanda by 2026.
In addition to infrastructure, the project supports broader cooperation: technical standards harmonization between Chinese and Angolan teams, language training, and local engineer engagement are helping to build capacity and understanding.
