According to Paolo Balladelli, the outgoing UN resident coordinator in Angola, it is estimated that around 53 million dollars per year will be invested, considering that although this is a "small" amount, it is important to help the country overcome some challenges.
In an interview with TPA, he admitted that Angola needs several billion dollars to overcome its biggest problems, ensuring that the UN will continue to provide support to the country.
Without mentioning which projects will benefit from this support, Paolo Balladelli indicated that the 106 million will be used by the government, academies and civil society to implement social and economic programmes.
The UN coordinator also said that the institution was helping the Angolan authorities to move forward with various social and economic initiatives and was also providing support with projects to promote the fight against covid-19.
On this last point, Balladelli indicated that the UN is helping Angola to have access to more testing materials.
He also suggested that the government form partnerships with UN bodies and civil society so that the spread of the disease is halted, admitting that it is crucial that the Executive increase the availability of drinking water to the population.
He applauded the measures taken by the state to prevent the spread of covid-19, but said it was necessary to raise awareness among young people of the danger of the disease so that they comply with the guidelines given by the health authorities.
He also indicated that the UN intends to make 36 million dollars available in the next 18 months to help Angola fight the new coronavirus and stressed that the institution is helping the country in other areas, such as the programme of Monetary Social Transfers, which is taking place in the country, with resources from the European Union and in the agricultural sector.
He said it was important to strengthen and improve the country's health services, indicating that there is "strong investment" by the UN in that sector, but he admitted that young people still need to be professionalised, domestic violence needs to be combated and women need to be empowered.
Finally, he admitted that Angola may be important for the continent's economy, considering that the country's political leadership is crucial for Africa.
Balladelli is ending his mandate, having been at the head of the UN system in Angola for nine years and three months.
