Major construction programme launched in Pointe Noire

President Denis Sassou-Nguesso launched on Thursday a 15-billion franc CFA (US $30-million) rehabilitation programme for the Republic of Congo’s second largest city, Pointe Noire, state-owned radio reported. The six-month long project, financed entirely by the government, is aimed at improving the city’s roads, sanitation, and water and electricity delivery systems. The work will include rehabilitation of the city’s public buildings, schools, health centres, airport and ocean port, Public Works Minister Florent Ntsiba said. He added that other cities and towns of Kouilou Department, of which Pointe Noire is the capital, would also benefit. Energy Minister Philippe Mvouo said that less than 50 percent of Pointe Noire's 600,000 residents were being served by the city's public water system, which comprises 17 wells that provide 48,000 cubic metres of water per day. An additional six wells are to be built under the programme, the completion of which is planned to coincide with the country's 44th independence anniversary from France, on 15 August 2004. The government has decided to celebrate future independence anniversaries by focusing on a new department each year. To this end, Impfondo, capital of the northern-most department of Likouala, has been chosen as the focal point for 2005, with some 10 billion francs CFA ($20 million) earmarked for the occasion.