Luanda — The secretary of State for Water Affairs, Luis Filipe da Silva, on Monday here said the implementation of Baynes Hydroelectric project, on Cunene river basin, will boost the country's development, mainly in the southern region, Angop has learnt.

He said so to press on the sidelines of a public consultation meeting on the studies of environmental impact of the hydroelectric project between Angola and Namibia.

In his opinion, the functioning of Baynes Dam will develop, mainly the south region, with greater incidence on minerals industry.

Namibia may also benefit from the project to lessen shortage of water resources.

"We have been conducting joint studies between Angola and Namibia, neighbouring countries that compose the Cunene basin, to provide a better hydroelectric exploration of Baynes", he said.

The first stage of the technical, economic and social viability studies is to be concluded by 2010.