Cabinda — At least Usd 200 million have been spent over the last seven years in the strengthening of capacity of captation, treatment and distribution of drinking water in Angola.

The information was released today by the spokesman for the 6th methodological and appraisal meeting of the water and sanitation sector, Kianu Vangu, that is going since Tuesday in northern Cabinda province.

However, the source said that investments of around Usd 562 million are still to be made until the year 2007.

Kianu Vangu said as well that 61,6 percent of the population have access to drinking water, while 59,4 percent enjoy adequate sanitation services.

In the urban areas, 70,9 percent have access to drinking water, of which 34 with minimum requirements. Another 74,1 percent have access to sanitation services, with only 18,5 connected with appropriate networks.

On the other hand, in the rural areas, it is estimated that only 39,9 percent of the population access drinking water and 25.5 benefit from some kind of sanitary equipment.

He said that currently the country produces about 550.000 cubic metres of water a day.

Meanwhile, until the year 2015 the country will need to produce more than 900.000 cubic metres of water a day, in order to meet the millennium goal of 1.500.000 cubic metres per day.

Kianu Vangua pointed that the goals set by the UN Millennium Summit on Development aims at reducing to its half the population with no access to drinking water and appropriate sanitation.

He also mentioned the provinces of Cunene, part of Huíla, Namibe and some areas of Benguela are the country's most critical ones regarding the supply of drinking water.