Luanda, Angola, Feb 19 – The recommencement of rice production in the Songo area of Angola’s Malanje province is being restricted by the need to rebuild roads and bridges in the region, says provincial governor Cristovao da Cunha.

In a recent interview with state news agency Angop, Malanje’s governor recalled that the province had been one of Angola’s main breadbaskets during Portugal’s colonial era. Katepa district, in the provincial capital, was particularly noted for its high production levels, he added.

“Our wish is that rice production resumes and surpasses current levels. However, we can’t invite potential investors and farmers if we don’t have roads and bridges replaced.”

Reconstruction work on the main 300-km highway linking the capital to the Songo region is already in progress. Da Cunha stressed that once this project is concluded various agricultural firms will be invited to develop projects. (macauhub)