Reconstruction work on Matala dam started in 2011 with an estimated cost of US$249.6 million, has improved the facility’s safety and its water storage capacity, Angolan news agency Angop reported.

Celso Pontes, engineer and project director of Canadian group SNC Lavalin, which was awarded the work, said the work already carried out on the dam, which was at risk of collapse due to cracks, has ensured the safety of the hydroelectric facility.

“In addition to the 29 sluice gates that already existed, a further eight were added, which allows for the regulation of the flow in a more precise way,” said Celso Pontes.

As this first phase is finished, Pontes said, the detailed design of the second phase, is now being prepared, which involves modernisation of the power station and its generator sets, with future production capacity exceeding the current 40.6 megawatts.

The Matala hydroelectric is located about 180 kilometre from the city of Lubango in southern Huila province. (macauhub/AO)