LUANDA, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Asphalt paving and related construction work on a 10-km stretch of Angola's EN105 national highway linking Quilengues and Cacula was completed Thursday, marking progress in a Chinese-led road rehabilitation project.
The project, carried out by China Railway 20th Bureau Group, includes the rehabilitation of a section between kilometer markers 74.5 and 84.5, as well as asphalt paving at a roundabout in Cacula.
The rehabilitation is expected to improve regional transport efficiency, facilitate the flow of goods and people, and support local economic activities once the entire project is completed.
Ke Han, project manager, said the construction team had overcome various challenges, including difficult terrain, logistical constraints and seasonal rainfall.
"The completion of this section marks an important step toward the rehabilitation of the entire highway," Ke said. "With improved road conditions, we hope to make travel safer and more convenient for local communities while facilitating the transportation of goods and supporting economic activities along the route."
For residents and businesses along the highway, the improved road conditions have already brought tangible benefits.
Julio Domingos, who runs a retail shop in Quilengues, said the previously pothole-ridden road made trips to Lubango, the capital of Angola's central Huila Province where he purchases supplies, time-consuming and costly.
"Before, a round trip to Lubango took about three hours, and I often had to spend money repairing damaged tires and suspension parts," he said.
"Now it takes only two hours. The money I save on fuel and vehicle repairs can be spent on my children," he added.
Angelo Tomas, who operates a building materials store near the roundabout in Cacula, said the road improvements have helped reduce transportation costs and damage to goods during delivery.
Previously, trucks transporting supplies from Lubango frequently experienced delays, Tomas said.
"Now deliveries can arrive on the same day, with less damage and lower transport costs," he said, adding that more customers have been visiting the store and that there are plans to hire another employee. ■