Luanda — Angola's Public Works minister, Higino Carneiro, on Thursday here announced the construction or rebuilding of about 1,500 bridges, as well as the rehabilitation of over 12,000 kilometres of national roads until 2012, ANGOP has learnt.

Speaking at the opening session of the 2nd African Roads Congress, that is taking place on June 26-28, in Luanda, the minister assured that the Angolan government has been developing a large programme of national reconstruction of roads.

According to him, the National Roads Institute (INEA) is now carrying out the updating of the statute of national roads and the national traffic plan.

He added that the institution in still outlining a steering plan for the control of cargos for vehicles in circulation, as well as concluding a new road signs manual, in order to meet the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) norms.

According to him, the results achieved so far show the efforts done in these areas, the benefits and the satisfaction shown by the citizens for the positive changes in terms of free flow of people and goods.

"This truth is now undeniable and is a facilitator for the holding of the legislative elections set for September 05, this year", said the Public Works minister.

On his view, the political and macro-economic stability, the development of the public and private authors in various sectors of the Angolan economy facilitate the economic growth the country has been recording.

Higino Carneiro said this congress will enable the exchange of experiences and ideas among the participants, as well as know better achievements of each country present at this meeting.

At least 45 countries are attending the event.

Participants are debating themes linked to finances, investments and public/private partnership policies, technologies and local materials, roads and environment.