Kuito — About 400,000 inhabitants of Kuito city, south Bié province, will start benefiting from the supply of drinking water, as from next year, ANGOP learnt on Monday from the provincial director of energy and waters, Anabela Caiovo Gunga.

The director stated that the distribution of drinking water to the population demands the construction of a new water supply and treatment system, whose works began early this year and are expected to end in 2009.

Anabela Caiovo Gunga affirmed that the works under the responsibility of the Chinese civil engineering firm "Shino Hidro" are estimated at USD 20 million, and are in good rhythm.

At the moment, the contractor is concluding the construction of the water distribution tank, abstraction station, as well as the treatment centre of the "precious" liquid.