Angola's National Reconstruction | Reconstrução de Angola

[Matthias Offodile]

I love this piece of news in particular, more than $300 million dollars are invested into agriclture in Malanje by the government to start agro-industrial private investment in the region! And into the bargain the dam is also under construction for reliable power supply(see photo)

Malanje: Governo investe mais de 300 milhões de dólares no polo agro-industrial


Barragem de Kapanda impulsiona desenvolvimento agro-industrial de Malanje

Malanje, 06/06/2007 - Trezentos e 24 milhões de dólares norte- Americanos é valor que está a ser investido pelo Governo no polo agro-industrial de Capanda, na província de Malanje.

O facto foi revelado hoje (quarta-feira) à Angop, em Malanje, pelo vice-governador provincial para área social, Gaspar Neto. Segundo referiu, estes investimentos visam ressurgir a actividade agro-industrial na província, paralisada pela guerra, nas últimas duas décadas.

O responsável frisou que, o surgimento do polo agro-industrial na província vai permitir dinamizar a actividade das pequenas indústrias, tais como moageiras e panificadoras, criar mais emprego e contribuir para o desenvolvimento económico da região.

Durante o conflito militar, o parque industrial de Malanje, que compreendia a Cotonang-fábrica de algodão e de óleo alimentar, descasque de arroz, indústria metalomecânica e de rações animais, ficou paralisado.

Gaspar Neto anunciou, por outro lado, estar já em curso obras de terraplanagem da área onde serão implantadas as infra-estruturas habitacionais e industriais, afectas ao projecto agro-industrial de Capanda.

Por outro lado, instou aos investidores públicos e privados, no sentido de explorarem não apenas o sector agro-industrial, como também os serviços de lavandaria, limpeza, consultoria, cinema, sapataria, alfaiataria e outros oficios, cujas necessidades se fazem sentir na província, para o crescimento do potencial económico da região.

O polo agro-industrial localizado em Capanda abarca os municípios de Cacuso, Malanje e Cangandala, e é tutelado pelos ministérios da Indústria, Energia e Águas, Agricultura e Desenvolvimento Rural e governo da província.

Malanje Location

[Matthias Offodile]

More predominantly physical infratructure news!



Train construction in Huila province is going on smoothly

Huíla: Reabilitação do Caminho-de-Ferro de Moçâmendes decorre a bom ritmo

Lubango, 31/05- A empreitada de reabilitação da linha férrea e das estruturas físicas do Caminho-de-Ferro de Moçâmedes (CFM), orçada em 40 milhões de dólares e iniciada há uma ano, decorre a bom ritmo, de acordo com o director-geral da instituição, Júlio Bango Joaquim.

Em declarações à Angop no Lubango (província da Huíla), o responsável informou que as obras estão na fase intermédia, assente na remoção e substituição do material e meios antigos como locomotivas, carruagens, vagões, equipamento de manutenção da via e desmontagem dos carris existentes.

Júlio Bango Joaquim adiantou que está a se efectuar igualmente a recolha da brita antinga para permitir a alteração desejada nos troços que ligam os municípios da Matala/Menongue, Menongue/Tchamutete, Tchamutete/Jamba e, posteriormente Matala/Namibe.

O director do CFM assinalou que decorrem também trabalhos de compactação da nova plataforma para alterar a vibração e se tornar capaz de sustentar 22 toneladas de peso.

No quadro da sua reabilitação, o CFM recebeu já três locomotivas e 24 carruagens. O restante equipamento chega à provincia na segunda quinzena de Junho e, segundo o responsável, serão adequados para todas as linhas.

Interregional road construction between between Funad and Catete is to be concluded soon, major advancements made


Reabilitação do troço rodoviário Funda/Catete atinge fase de conclusão

Luanda, 01/06 - A reabilitação dos 58 quilómetros do troço rodoviário Funda/Catete, ligação entre as províncias de Luanda e Bengo, pelos municípios de Cacuaco e Catete, respectivamente, encontra-se na sua fase final, constatou hoje a Angop no local.

Após uma deslocação ao terreno da empreitada verificou-se que, neste momento, estão em curso trabalhos para o melhoramento do tapete asfáltico e de ampliação da via, isto, desde o quilómetro um do município de Catete, na província do Bengo, até ao 40, nas proximidades da localidade da Funda, no município de Cacuaco, em Luanda.

Nesta fase final da empreitada estão a ser colocados lancis ao longo da estrada, feitos de betão armado, de modo a permitir o escoamento das águas, assim como de sinalização no asfalto (linhas contínuas, descontínuas e tracejadas).

Ao longo do percurso, com oito metros de largura e uma faixa em cada sentido, pode-se também notar a construção de uma ponte superior sobre a linha férrea (Luanda/Malanje) à entrada de Catete, construída em betão armado e com as duas extremidades protegidas por varões de metal.

Os trabalhos nesta via foram reatados em 2005, após três anos de paralisação, por razões financeiras. Por este motivo, foram igualmente revistos os troços reabilitados já durante a primeira fase do projecto, tendo em conta o elevado período de suspensão da mesma, segundo referiu, por altura da adjudicação da empreitada, o director-geral do Inea, Joaquim Sebastião.

A retomada simbólica dos trabalhos de reabilitação do troço Kifangondo/Catete, passando pela zona da Funda, ocorreu na localidade de Mbanza Kitele, no município de Cacuaco, em Luanda, marcando igualmente o reinício do programa de reparação definitiva das infra-estruturas rodoviárias do país, uma aposta do Ministério das Obras Públicas, por meio do Instituto Nacional de Estradas de Angola (INEA).

A cargo da construtora MotaEngil e sob a fiscalização da empresa Gabeng, a execução do projecto de edificação da estrada, a ser implementada até ao mês de Agosto de 2007, deriva de um contrato primário avaliado em 13 milhões de dólares, financiados pelo Governo angolano.

A empreitada, enquadra-se no Programa de Reconstrução Nacional do Governo e permitirá a ligação entre as províncias de Luanda, Bengo, Kwanza Norte, Kwanza Sul e Uíge, todas elas potencialmente agrícolas.

More interregional road construction that is nearing completion



Zaire: Obras no troço Yenga/Tomboco permitem melhorias no trânsito

Reabilitação do troço rodoviário Yenga/Tomboco permitiu já melhorias na circulação rodoviária na estrada nacional 111


Mbanza Kongo, 04/06/2007 – A reabilitação do troço rodoviário Yenga/Tomboco, numa extensão de aproximadamente 30 quilómetros, permitiu já melhorias na circulação rodoviária na estrada nacional 111, que liga M´banza Kongo à capital do país, segundo apurou à Angop no local.

Iniciadas em Março, as obras de reabilitação deste troço, a cargo de uma brigada de terraplanagem criada pelo governo da província, consistem na regulamentação de solos, perfilamento, reposição e compactação de terras, bem como a abertura de valas de drenagem para o escoamento das águas pluviais.

Estas melhorias têm sido evidentes na fluidez do trânsito, pelo facto de haver redução no tempo de transportação de pessoas e mercadorias entre distintas localidades.

Em declarações à Angop, automobilistas que circulam nesta estrada mostram-se satisfeitos e louvam os esforços do executivo para melhorar, cada vez mais, as vias de comunicação por terra.

António Sampaio, motorista há seis anos, disse que actualmente o percurso Yenga à sede municipal do Tomboco está a ser percorrido em 30 minutos, uma hora e 30 minutos a menos que o tempo anterior.

Para Manuel Tandu, um cidadão que tem percorrido este trajecto há vários anos, as melhorias agradam a todos os cidadãos, mas que igualmente espera a das autoridades uma rápida intervenção nos troços rodoviários que ligam Tomboco/Nzeto e Buluakukeba/ponte sobre o rio Mpozo.

Para o director provincial das Obras Públicas, Daniel Silvano Tabita, enquanto se aguarda pela reabilitação total da estrada nacional 111, que liga Mbanza Kongo/Luanda, o executivo local vai continuar a desenvolver acções pontuais nos troços mais críticos para facilitar a livre circulação de pessoas e bens.

Works on second phase of expressway construction has already started

Obras do segundo lote da via Expresso iniciam-se

Luanda, 05/06/2007 - Os trabalhos de construção da via Expresso, isto no segundo lote, que parte da chamada zona dos quartéis até à área industrial de Viana, tiveram início no final de Maio, com acções de alargamento da estrada e remoção de postes de energia ao longo do percurso, constatou hoje a Angop.

Após deslocação ao local de intervenção, a Angop apurou a existência de máquinas que realizam os trabalhos de remoção de terras e outros objectos ao longo da estrada.

De igual modo, são ainda realizados trabalhos de topografia nas zonas de obra adjudicada ao consórcio Mota-Engil, Soares da Costa e Monte Adriano.

Estes trabalhos destinam-se à identificação e marcação de todos os obstáculos a serem removidos ao longo do terreno, por estarem no percurso previsto para a edificação da via Expresso, correspondente a nove quilómetros e 790 metros.

Segundo dados anunciados no acto de consignação da empreitada rubricado pelos responsáveis das empresas que fazem parte do consórcio e o Instituto de Estradas de Angola (INEA), que teve lugar em Dezembro de 2006, a intervenção no troço correspondente prevê movimentações de 460 mil metros cúbicos de terra, aplicação de 94 mil e 100 metros cúbicos de sub-base em solos e 78 mil e 300 de base.

Os dados técnicos indicam ainda que a mesma consumirá 25 mil de betões hidráulicos, 143 mil toneladas de massa betuminosa, dois mil e 700 de aço para betão armado, assim como mil e 50 toneladas de aço para pontes pedonais (destinadas a pedestres).

Serão também incorporados na obra, prevista para um período de 24 meses, 10 mil e 500 de separadores, 57 mil e 300 de sinalização horizontal e ainda 700 sinais verticais.

A obra, avaliado em 46 milhões, 756 mil, 916 de Euros e 70 cêntimos, enquadra-se no perfil de uma via rápida com separador físico central e duas faixas de rodagem em cada sentido, terá ao longo de to o seu percurso, incluindo já a primeira e terceira fase, 14 pontes metálicas aéreas para peões, iluminação pública em toda a sua extensão, bem como sinalização horizontal e vertical adequada.

Após a conclusão total da via Expresso permitirá descongestionar a circulação rodoviária a nível de Luanda, embora se trate de uma acção que só será definitiva com o acabamento das outras rodovias em curso, entre as quais Talatona/Viana, Benfica/Golfe II e a Auto Estrada Periférica.

Ela tem início junto ao cemitério da Santa Ana e vai até as cercanias do quilómetro 26 de Viana, permitindo, após a sua conclusão, a circulação rodoviária numa velocidade de 100 quilómetros/hora.

Reconstruction of the administrative, social and technical buildings in Kuito is in full swing!

Recuperação de edifícios no Kuito poderá terminar no segundo semestre deste ano

Kuito, 06/06/2007 - As obras inseridas no Programa do Governo de Reabilitação e Construção de Infra-estruturas Técnicas, Sociais e Administrativas da cidade do Kuito (Bié), em curso desde 2006, ficam concluídas no segundo semestre deste ano - deu a conhecer hoje, em Luanda, o director nacional de Edifícios e Monumentos do Ministério das Obras Públicas, José Silva.

Estas obras constam da segunda fase do programa, estando entre elas os edifícios da casa protocolar, pavilhão gimnodesportivo, edifício da Rádio Nacional de Angola (RNA), biblioteca municipal, visando a melhoria da imagem da cidade do Kuito e o acesso das populações aos principais serviços sociais e administrativos.

Para esta fase de recuperação das infra-estruturas do Kuito foram seleccionadas as empresas T-Angola, Jaime Ribeiro, Casa Kebo, e a Eusébios, enquanto a fiscalização ficou a cargo da Empresa Nacional de Estudos e Projectos (ENEP).

A primeira fase da reconstrução da cidade do Kuito teve início em 2002, com a colocação da primeira pedra pelo chefe de Estado angolano, José Eduardo dos Santos.

A fase inicial, que ficou orçada em aproximadamente sete milhões de dólares, compreendeu a recuperação do Palácio do Governo provincial, administração municipal do Kuito, Tribunal Provincial, edifício sede do Banco Nacional de Angola (BNA) e duas escolas do ensino geral.

Com a conclusão da primeira fase foi possível também melhorar as condições institucionais e reposição da Administração do Estado na várias localidades da província.

O director Nacional de Edifícios e Monumentos do Ministério das Obras Públicas, José Silva, disse que estão igualmente em curso nas províncias do Zaire, Malanje, Huambo, Moxico, Bengo e Kwanza Sul, outros projectos inseridos no referido programa.

More hospital construction in Namibe province under way


Namibe: Obras no edifício do hospital de Saco-Mar decorre dentro dos prazos

Namibe, 06/06/2007 - As obras do futuro hospital municipal do Saco-Mar (localizado a cinco quilómetros da sede da província), no Namibe, estão a decorrer a bom ritmo, segundo garantiu hoje (quarta-feira) à Angop o responsável da empreitada chinesa, Huang Yaodong.

O responsável acrescentou que não existem problemas de recepção do material proveniente da China, pois já se encontra no Namibe, tanto o de construção, como o de apetrechamento da unidade hospitalar.

Com uma capacidade prevista de internamento para 73 camas, o futuro hospital municipal prestará serviços gerais de saúde em cirurgia, raio x, pediatria, bem como contará com um bloco operatório, farmácia, parque de estacionamento de viaturas e uma morgue, com capacidade para seis cadáveres.

A obra, orçada em 80 milhões, 753 mil e 102 kwanzas, está a ser executada pela empresa Sinohydro e teve início a 23 de Agosto de 2006, com um período de execução previsto para 15 meses.

O financiamento desta unidade hospitalar decorre da linha de crédito da China e está a ser erguido numa área de três mil e 844 metros quadrados.

Prevê-se que esta unidade sanitária em construção beneficie mais de cinco mil habitantes residentes naquela localidade, actualmente assistidos em postos médicos.

More construction of modern municipal hospitals in Moxico


Moxico: Governo retoma reabilitação do hospital municipal do Luau

Luena, 06/06 – As obras de reabilitação do hospital municipal do Luau reiniciaram esta semana, depois de quatro anos de paralisação, devido ao abandono da empreitada sem justificação por parte da empresa “ACJ”.

Actualmente sob direcção de uma outra empresa, as obras da infra-estrutura sanitária, com capacidade para 100 camas, terminam no mês de Novembro, segundo garantias do empreiteiro, Nelito Donge Alberto.

Composto por um bloco operatório, laboratório, sala de RX, consultas externas, farmácia e uma área administrativa, o Hospital Municipal do Luau foi esta terça-feira visitado pelo ministro das Obras Públicas, Higino Carneiro.

O ministro manifestou-se satisfeito pela retomada das obras enquadradas no Programa de Investimentos Públicos (PIP) e pediu celeridade nos trabalhos, visto que os doentes têm sido atendidos em estruturas provisórias.

No município do Luau (mais de 300 quilómetros do Luena), Higino Carneiro, visitou igualmente a zona onde se vai construir a futura administração municipal e as obras de reabilitação da residência do Administrador local.

Antes de deixar hoje Luena, com destino a Lunda Sul, o governante visitará as obras de reabilitação e ampliação do Instituto Superior Politécnico e a de construção dos palácios do Governo e da Justiça.

Constam também da agenda do titular das Obras Públicas, a deslocação ao município do Alto Zambeze, 519 quilómetros a Leste do Luena, para ver a antiga ponte sobre o Rio Zambeze, destruída durante o conflito armado.

De igual modo, Higino Carneiro visitará o local onde se pretende construir o monumento à Paz e os trabalhos de contenção das ravinas do bairro Zorro.

[popa1980]

I think what we are witnessing in Angola is the biggest infrastrucure programme ever witnessed on the continent. Sure, a LOT of it is dissapearing into the pockets of politicians but a lot is going on development too.

If Nigeria, Gabon, Zaire etc had done this with their oil/mineral monies.......can you just imagine.

[Matthias Offodile]

I think what we are witnessing in Angola is the biggest infrastrucure programme ever witnessed on the continent. Sure, a LOT of it is dissapearing into the pockets of politicians but a lot is going on development too.

If Nigeria, Gabon, Zaire etc had done this with their oil/mineral monies.......can you just imagine.

First of all, you are comparing countries that are incomparable with each other Gabon - Nigeria - Zaire!

I hate it when people are lumping the whole world into one big bag!

Secondly, Nigeria has invested billions into infrastructure so far, it has the densest web of roads and highways within Africa (outside SA) and those investments have not been realized with coconuts and beans but with oil in the heady 70´s till the mid 80´s! And new roads are still getting built, more in Nigeria than anywhere else in Africa!

The problem is MAINTENANCE IN NIGERIA/AFRICA!

But you are back from Brazil, how was it like? Did you enjoy your trip? You can send me a PM

[popa1980]

Those countries are VERY comparable. They received billions from their natural resources after independence and have spent it unwisely. In Gabon, not so much in politicians pockets but it white elephant projects, in Nigeria and Zaire.......well, we know where the money went to. Its estimated that Nigeria has lost $300 billion in corruption over the last few decades. Can you even imagine what could have been done with that money? It has NOTHING to do with maintenance, the development that DID take place was only a tiny fraction of what SHOULD have taken place. Its only now that they're expanding the rail system for example.

Anyway, back to the topic, kudos to Angola.

[Matthias Offodile]

You are comapring Russia with Qatar and Egypt, all have massive natural ressources but they are all incomparable!

Regarding Nigeria, unfortunately, a hell of of money was siphoned off but there was also massive construction in the 70´s till mid 80´s! And we have talked the matter over and over again that measures have become stricter. Foreign exchange resserves and economic reforms like the ones the country has witnessed, would have been unimaginabale in Nigeria ´s past!

Concerning Gabon - a small oil producer - , you are right a lot of money was spent on "senseless" white elephants there like the construction of a $3bn dollar train crossing the country ( which has been privatized by now) and so on and so forth but those days are even gone there and management has markedly improved since the aimless 70´s/ 80´s when the country got "rich over night"! That country´s furture still looks good, however!

As for Zaire, I know too little of that country to say anything but it is just like a continent within the continent!

Maintenance is however still a major problem in Nigeria and allover Africa.

[popa1980]

These countries are definetly comparable-poor resource-rich countries which wasted their revenues in some way on another. That makes them VERY comparable. You should read economic articles and you will see that these countries (always Nigeria and Zaire the classic cases, less often Gabon) often pop up together when economists discuss this topic.

I repeat, for you, the development that DID take place in Nigeria was a FRACTION of what should have taken place. I repeat, for you, $300 billion siphoned off over 40 years. $300 billion!!!!!

[Matthias Offodile]

These countries are definetly comparable-poor resource-rich countries which wasted their revenues in some way on another. That makes them VERY comparable. You should read economic articles and you will see that these countries (always Nigeria and Zaire the classic cases, less often Gabon) often pop up together when economists discuss this topic.

I repeat, for you, the development that DID take place in Nigeria was a FRACTION of what should have taken place. I repeat, for you, $300 billion siphoned off over 40 years. $300 billion!!!!!

You cannot compare Gabon to Nigeria nor to Zaire, don´t be childish! This is hilarious! Gabon´s oil is just a drop into the ocean if you compare it to Nigeria´s oil and gas resserves! In Gabon every second Gabonese citizens worked in the public sector in the 80´s which led to a highly bloated and inefficient public sector, a lot of money was squandered on white elephants like that multi-billion dollar train crossing a country even though almost nobody lives in the hinterland and so on and so forth, nevertheless urabn Gabonese citizens (I am not talking about the African immigrants here) enjoy a fairly high standard of living by African standards, once you have travelled to Gabon (been there personally!!), you know what I mean and it is one of the few African countries where a social system has been introduced in the 70´s! The country is the most urbanized country of Africa (around 85% of the people live and work in the city). Fortunately, those days of aimless spending are gone in Gabon and the country has become more "restrained", it has established an oil fund which is steadily growing, it is collecting foreign exchange resserves for the future and the best is that it is finally diversifying away from oil (although a new considerable oil discovery has been made recently and offshore sector remains highly promising, too)! All in all, I think that one can be optimistic for that little country!

But once again Gabon - Zaire and Nigeria are incomparable!

Economist often mention the term "dutch disease" when they talk about country´s such as Venezuela, Russia, Gabon, Nigeria, Indonesia and even mighty Saudi Arabia etc.!

[popa1980]

Gabons oil reserves are smaller but in proportion to the size of the population they are more, and thats what counts. Thats why Norway, with a population of under 5 million is the richest country on earth.

Nigeria and Zaire are always talked about together as the classic cases of lost oppurtunity in natural resource-rich Africa countries post-independence. No where else did such large amounts of money dissapear into politicans pockets.

Gabon is often talked together with Nigeria and Eq Guinea when talking about African countries which wasted their oil money.

I repeat, $300 billion Matthias, $300 billion.....thats three hundred billion dollars.

[popa1980]

Just in case you didnt get it, $300 billion!!!

[popa1980]

This is what Gabon did with its oil money. How sad. Thankfully with oil running dry they will have to be more sensible now.

"Gabon is at the beginning of the end of its life as an oil producer. Without new finds, output is expected — optimistically — to halve in the next 20 years and stop in 30. And oil's legacy? A country that ranks 124th on the human-development index, but where Hummer and BMW dealerships thrive. Libreville itself has ranked among the Top 10 most expensive cities in the world for most of the past 20 years. But beyond these privileged circles, there is little evidence of a trickle-down effect. Opposition leader Pierre Mamboundou says his party, the Gabonese People's Union, figures that 15,000 people in Gabon hold 80% of the nation's wealth"

Even in a country that is four-fifths rain forest and has coastal waters full of fish, the government — which didn't respond to repeated interview requests — appears to lack a compelling vision of what industries might take over where oil leaves off. There is the additional economic burden of importing nearly all of the country's food from Europe. Entrepreneurial spirit has all but evaporated: while rich Gabonese may fund new businesses, most are set up and run by Europeans. And the nation is afflicted by a widespread sense of moral degeneration — from bureaucratic corruption to petty theft to sexual violence. "The lack of standards shown by Gabon's leadership has generated a complete immorality in the country," says a European economist in Gabon. "That's the real curse of oil."

[popa1980]

This article is for you. A great article which talks of Nigeria, Gabon and Angola. And how Sao Tome will hopefully not follow their paths. Seriously, a really good article, one of the best I have read in a long while. Enjoy.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/ar...6751-1,00.html

[Matthias Offodile]

Shut up! you idiot pissing on Africa, get away and fuck the Western world and its rascist press! Fuck it I could even write this about the USA or any other country! Rascist bullshit, US people hasn´t invested a lot of money in Gabon so they have no interest and that´s why they are fucking on this country!

[Matthias Offodile]

Malanje: Reabilitação das pontes sobre os rios Kwanza e Jombo inicia este ano

Malanje, 07/06 – Os trabalhos para reabilitação das pontes sobre os rios Kwanza e Jombo (em Malanje), que ligam esta província a do Kwanza Sul, terão início ainda este ano, segundo deu a conhecer quarta-feira nesta cidade o vice-governador para área Social e Económica, Gaspar Neto.

O empreendimento, que será coordenado pelo Ministério das Obras Públicas e financiadas no âmbito do Programa de Investimento Público (PIP), permitirá igualmente uma maior circulação de pessoas e bens entre a sede capital (Malanje) e os municípios do Luquembo e Quirima.

Enquanto isso, o responsável fez saber que o executivo da província levará a cabo, nos próximos tempos, a reabilitação de várias outras vias entre as quais as que dão acesso aos municípios de Massango e Marimba.

Gaspar Neto mostrou-se satisfeito pelos esforços que o governo tem vindo a desenvolver, sobretudo para a reabilitação de estradas, pontes, escolas, postos de saúde, entre outras estruturas, em diversas localidades.

Por outro lado, o vice governador manifestou-se satisfeito pelo nível de andamento das obras de reabilitação dos Caminhos de Ferro de Luanda (CFL), que liga a capital do país à província de Malanje, realçando que a mesma trará, nos próximos tempos, um desenvolvimento sustentável para a localidade.

Segundo disse, no domínio da água, estudos estão a ser feitos no sentido de se implementar um sistema mini-hídrico para o abastecimento aos municípios de Massango, Marimba, Luquembo, Kunda-dia-Base, Kambundi-Katembo e Cahombo.

Quanto ao sector energético, referiu que não existem sérios problemas, visto que a província beneficia directamente da energia eléctrica de Capanda desde 2003.

[StormShadow]

Thanks for the articles Matt.

[DanteXavier]

Originally Posted by Matthias Offodile

Shut up! you idiot pissing on Africa, get away and fuck the Western world and its rascist press! Fuck it I could even write this about the USA or any other country! Rascist bullshit, US people hasn´t invested a lot of money in Gabon so they have no interest and that´s why they are fucking on this country!

Whoa, whoa, mate. Calm down a bit. I understand your point of view, but let us also be rational about all of this. Both of you have compelling opinions here, and both of your are correct to an extent as well.

For example: you're right when you say that sometimes the west does hold a few biases towards Africa. Sometimes, these biases seem excusable...many times, these biases seem blatantly obvious and unfair. And its true, these biases are there. You're not wrong when you say that.

But you should also know that Popa isn't completely incorrect when he talks about some of the things going on in Africa. it's true, to an extent, that many nations in Africa, like nigeria, haven't done the best of jobs with what they have. You can cite several reasons for this: corruption, colonialism(inconsiderate drawing of the borders fueld eventual ethnic conflict in nigeria that held them back, etc, etc) and so on, but the fact does remain that these problems plague nigeria and several other african nations today. It's an unavoidable fact.

At the same time, the media that may report correctly on at least a few of the problems in places like nigeria today, may never report on the successes we see in other parts of Africa like Botswana, or even namibia... and perhaps even gabon. Like i said-no one side is totally correct.

Also, popa, you should remember that while it is true that Gabon has been having problems with oil and the fact that it will eventually run out, Gabon has not done badly with itself. It's overall level of infrastructure is decent as a whole, although it is true that maybe it potentially could be better.

In any case, with an HDI ranking of 124, Gabon ranks just in the midsection of all nations...but that HDi puts it ahead of India. An interesting fact, that is. Why? Well, we do speak frequently about India and its successes; we don't always talk about particularly gruesome issues with regards to that nation. You can see sections on slums in Lagos all the time in the media, but I don't see these everyday for India. Gabon has achieved a similar level as a nation...but it doesn't appear to get as much credti from the media. For that matter, neither do namibia or Botswana. Perhaps this is because these are very small nations...but nevertheless, you should note that.

Anyway, guys, just remember that there are two sides of this issue. Gabon has done many positive things, Popa, even though it is true that it could be better. Just remember not to denigrate it completely because what it has done is still nothing to spit at. And matthias, while it is true that the western media does have biases, they aren't completely wrong about everything. We have to be completely objective about these things.

We don't need to fight and curse at each other, fellas.

BTW, I still love this thread. great articles here, Matthias, I am following Angola's reconstruction zealously, it is an infinitely interesting subject.

[popa1980]

Matthias, behave yourself, no swearing. OK?

[Matthias Offodile]

Popa1980, First of all I am sorry for insulting you but I just boiled over once again! It simply sucks so much that Western/US media write only bad, biased, uncritical, superficial and highly one-sided news on Africa by means of which they try to manipulate peoplé minds and downgrade countries that don´t desserve it. And I consider it highly insulting to describe Gabonese people as lazy and sexually obessive/violent. Gabon is not Babylon! As I said I once traveled to that small country and I didn´t come across those people. On the contrary, the people whom my parents and myself met were very nice, peaceful and open-minded! It is simply pejorative and untrue to label them as "Babylonians". I wonder if the reporter has really travelled to all those three countries or if he is just a mere "arm-chair journalist" who hasn´t been on the ground personally and done some in-depth research before writing the article! ????

With regard to Angola:

Angola is just emerging out of conflict and four years is too early to condemn the entire nation after more than 30 years of war. The country needs time, please!

Nigeria has inexcusably done bad with the $300bn that were siphoned off, no doubt about that! but let´s not forget that the stupid and self-centred military ruined the country and that since 1999 - despite the current Niger Delta crisis which is more a "business" than anything else, unfortunately - decisive and positive major steps were taken that are pointing in the right direction. Nobody can´t deny this! Naija is gowing more self-confident economically and strategically!

As far as Gabon is concerned, of course some things went wrong in the past. As I said earlier, the country made some severe mismanagement faults which they regret more and more now (like building that multi-billion train, and bloating the public sector as a form to fight poverty, over-dependence on oil, rentier-state features, neglect of agriculture etc.) but by far not all is true what is said about Gabon in the TIME Magazine article! Here are just a few points the article is not shedding light upon..

1.) Gabon has remained peaceful since independence from France in 1960 which allowed development.

2.) Gabon has helped with numerous peace initiatives across Africa.

3.) Gabon has a relatively strong urban middle-class and many Gabonese young people are studying hard in Gabon, Senegal, France or Québec!

4.) Gabonese students obtain money from the state for 4 years to complete their studies and there is free medical care for the poor, primary school is free of charge, Aids treatment is free for everyone affected, too. Gabon is one of the few countries that has established a social sytem (for the elderly for the sick that work in the formal sector and the state is even paying, I am not kidding for highly specialized treatment overseas!!). The state is currently looking for ways to allow every citizen especially those working in the informal sector to have access to a a universal social insurance! Moreover, the country has created an oild fund that keeps on growing, same for foreign exchange resserves!

5.) It is a blatant lie to say that Gabonese people are lazy or sexually violent or morally spoilt!! Where do they get the information from, please? A lot of young people are well-educated and intelligent people that have a deep love for their country (as any other African has for its own country)

6.) Gabon is on par with countries such as Namibia and Botswana in terms of HDI (into the bargain it is a middle-income country) If we use those indices as reference points, then we have to apply them without exceptions to all countries, (Gabon´s , Namibia and Botswana´s annual budget is almost the same and all three are not densely populated countries)

7.) Crime and violence is not any big problem in entire Gabon. It is a safe place to go to, believe me!

8.) Gabon´s oil doesn´t run out, they even said that in the 70´s and 80´s during the oil boom years and then they later discovered Rabi-Kounga, it is all just politics! (play with scarcity). Perenco has discovered a major oil field recently. And the offshore sector remains very promising! Chinese investors bought three oil big field concessions, France and Canada is exploring for oil in the offshore regions and signed a gas contract onshore, Indians are looking to invest into oil there, there is the "fight" between gabon and Equatorial Guinea about that "Coriscoa Islands", an area that is soaked in oil.......and even if the oil runs out some day, the country wouldn´t fall back to stone age as the article implicitly suggest. Gabon is immensely rich in other mineral ressources and it has a rich eco-system and an unspoiled nature and an educated workforce. Many people who visited the country have enjoyed it (that´s what I read in the many blogs or on various forums). They speak highly of this litlle country, so there is a lot of romm for tourism! Eco-tourism is emerging there, too! (creation of 13 national parks, more and more people get trained as eco-guides, lodges get built etc.)

9.) Why is the francophone press writing positively or in a more balanced way about Gabon whereas the American press feature articles of horror about that tiny country? Could it be that there is the old Franco-Anglo/American rivalary again - beneath the surface? Let´s not forget that the USA is not at all dominant in Gabon

10.) As far as Sao tome and Principe is concerned, it doesn´t surprise me that they look positively at that country. Sao tome and Principe runs the risk of becoming an "American enclave" in Africa. They are planning to build a huge military base there from where they can control lucrative big oil markets better such as Nigeria or Angola, that´s no secret but a fact, it can also be read in "la Lettre du Continent" and other African or international media! So I do hope that Angola will help Sao Tome and Principe in the years to come so that it remains as "free" as possible!

11.) Time Magazine is renowed for its bad news coverage! Same for Newsweek! for example, apart from shedding light upon the horror scenarios of Africa, they also often bash the Arab World and blindly call them all terrorists! They write very badly about Latin America, too! The begin to write badly on China as well for fear of China´s growing might and influence in the world!
Those articles can´t be taken at their face´s value but should be read attentively and with a highly critical mind!

12.) Again I have nothing against the American people but I am fed with their news coverage. Why do they hate Africa or Africans so much? Whenever there is hope they come with their mighty media organs and destroy it! This infuriates me profusely, it makes me sick! (Africa please wake up, it is high-time that there is an "Al Jazeerah of Africa")

So, having said all that let´s stick to Angola´s reconstruction now, please! It is a thread about the new face of Angola and we should keep it this way!

Popa1980, And once again sorry for my personal attacks but maybe you can understand my frustration with the press somehow

[Matthias Offodile]

Tata´s in race for $3 bn Angola projec

PRINCE MATHEWS THOMAS & NEVIN JOHN

TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ FRIDAY, JUNE 08, 2007 12:20:12 AM]

MUMBAI: Tata Steel has expressed interest in taking part in a $3-billion integrated steel project in Angola, part of the steel major’s plan to scout globally for vital raw materials.

Tata Steel is believed to be one of the 10 mining and metal companies across the world to show interest in Angola project, which includes development of an iron ore mine with reserves pegged at 200MT. Iron ore is a key raw material in steel making; every one-and-a-half tonne of iron ore is used to make a tonne of steel.

Other players in the race include global mining major BHP Billiton of Australia and steel companies from Brazil and Russia. When contacted, a Tata Steel spokesperson said, “The company is not looking at the project, as of now.”

In an announcement earlier this week, Angola’s mining ministry said the chosen company will partner state-run mining firm Ferrangol in the project. The proposed project will be based near the Cassinga and Cassala-Kitungo deposits in south Angola.

Though the capacity of the steel plant is yet to be decided, the project might also include a rail network and rehabilitation of the Namibe port, the ministry statement said, adding that the project would use the region’s ample gas resources.

A feasibility study will be carried out soon including the equity participation of investing companies, said sources. The Cassinga mines in Angola have been lying abandoned during the 27 year long civil war in the country. According to local estimates, the mines produced 40MT of “high-grade iron ore” between 1957 and 1975.

This is the third such initiative that Tata Steel has taken to invest in mineral-rich countries. Early last month, Tata Steel said it is looking at “opportunities” in gas-rich Egypt which could help the company build gas-fired plants for custom-made steel products that will have advanced usage.

Tata Steel has also agreed to build a 4.5MT steel plant in Vietnam.Already 14 exploration projects are underway in the diamond and oil-rich Angola. Well known companies such as Brazil’s CVRD and BHP Billiton are already active in the country’s copper and diamond industries.

Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/...ow/2107600.cms

[Matthias Offodile]

Head Of State To Inaugurate Ultra Modern Agrarian Institute in Malanje

Malanje, 08/06/2007 – The Angolan Head of State, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, is inaugurating this afternoon a High Agrarian Institute, in Kessua District, north-central Malanje Province, in the ambit of his few-hour visit to this region.

It is conceived to train cadres in the areas of animal breeding, forests, agriculture, electricity, civil engineering, vegetal production and agricultural mechanisation.

The institution has the objective of training mainly young people to prepare them for a speciality in a profession, meant to meet the demands in terms of the country`s development and technical evolution.

With an area of 80,000 square metres, it has modern equipment distributed in 20 classrooms and 25 residences for teachers.

President Eduardo dos Santos` work agenda also includes the handing over of two vehicles and an ambulance to the mentioned institute, will gather with Catholic and Methodist bishops, meet with chieftains, as well as visit the Kapanda dam project and the Pungo-A-Ndongo farm.