10/7/08 -The United Nations under secretary-general, Anna Tibaijuka, on Monday in Luanda commended the Angolan government for the implementation of its national reconstruction programme, which has already resulted in the repair of bridges, roads, and the building of several social infrastructures countrywide.
Anna Tibaijuka, who is also the executive director of the UN Human Settlement Programme (UN Habitat), said it is visible the effort being made by the Executive led by José Eduardo dos Santos in providing housing and basic services, such as water and electricity, to the Angolan families.
The official said she could notice that several housing projects are in progress in the whole country.
“We commend you for the ambitious national reconstruction programme”, she said when delivering a speech at the central ceremony that served to commemorate the World Habitat Day (October 6), held in Luanda's Talatona Conventions Centre, an event that was attended by the Angolan Head of State, José Eduardo dos Santos.
Thus, Anna Tibaijuka said that the UN is ready to follow-up Angola in this effort to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, one of which has to do with the improvement of human settlements in a sustainable way.
To her the improvement of informal settlements and the construction of dignified housing for all is a matter that requires the direct commitment of governments, which not only must lead the land supply process, but also the promotion and supervision of the financing for all layers of society.
According to the UN under secretary-general, Luanda, the capital city of Angola, has been chosen by the United Nations to host this world event for the performance of the government in the execution of policies aimed at improving people's living standards, such as in housing, medical and medicines assistance, basic sanitation, among others.
The gathering was attended by the Angolan National Assembly Speaker, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, the Supreme Court Chief Justice, Cristiano André, and the Prime Minister, António Paulo Kassoma.
The event was also attended by MPs, government officials, members of the diplomatic body accredited in Angola and other foreign officials, as well as representatives of real estate and construction firms, banks, socio-professional institutions and community associations.