Africa-Press – Angola. The start of construction of the Basilica of Nossa Senhora da Muxima, in the province of Icolo e Bengo, is the main advance recorded in the last six months in the town’s redevelopment project.
The information was disclosed on Friday by the director of the Special Works Office (GOE), Leonel Cruz, during a visit by the President of the Republic, João Lourenço.
He presented the status of the macro-project, carried out by the Casais–Omatapalo consortium, while the Griner company is responsible for the construction of the Basilica.
He explained that the start of work on the temple was the result of adjustments made to the original project, following new topographical surveys and studies on safety levels along the Kwanza River.
The start of construction of the Basilica was made possible by the completion of part of the housing project in the Coxe neighbourhood, where 621 families previously living in the area designated for the sanctuary were rehoused.
In addition to housing, the village includes a school, medical centre, police station, campsites and car parks, water and energy networks, roads and other essential infrastructure.
The director of GOE reported that the overall physical execution of phase 1 stands at 65%, while financial execution has reached 70%.
He said the Basilica, currently in the foundation phase, is designed to accommodate 4,600 people, with a Sanctuary Square that can accommodate 200,000 pilgrims, support infrastructure for the clergy, and a car park for more than 1,100 vehicles.
At least 637 houses are planned for the Coxe neighbourhood, with 90% of the masonry structures already completed.
The project benefits from a credit line from Portugal, totaling 118 million Euros in the current phase.
An Interministerial Commission is monitoring the work, it has considered the pace of progress to be positive, although it has requested greater commitment to meeting deadlines.
Presidential visit
This Friday’s visit marks President João Lourenço’s return to Muxima, following his visit on June 14, and is part of the regular monitoring of the project’s implementation, which officially began in 2022.
After receiving detailed explanations about the progress of the works, the Head of State, accompanied by contractors and Executive aides, took a guided tour of the various areas where the infrastructure is being built.
The Muxima Sanctuary is the largest centre of Catholic religious spirit in Angola and annually hosts a pilgrimage with hundreds of thousands of Christians from that congregation.
Located on the banks of the Kwanza River, in the municipality of Quiçama, the site was occupied by the Portuguese in 1589, who, ten years later, built a fortress and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, also known as ‘Mamã Muxima’.
One of the main objectives of its redevelopment is to promote Muxima as a national and international religious tourism destination, with better conditions for pilgrims.
It also aims to provide better living conditions for local inhabitants, regional development, generate jobs and boost the region’s economy.
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