With this (re)inauguration, downtown Luanda thus gains "another space of vibrant symbolism of the city's memory, culture and future", says the government of the province of Luanda (GPL), in a statement to which VerAngola had access.
The aforementioned square "reappears in the leisure scene and ex-libris of the centre of our capital, as a result of a protocol signed between the provincial government of Luanda and the Angolan Investment Bank, which, within the scope of its social responsibility, decided to finance a collective cause of great patriotism and affection for the well-being of our citizens", the note reads.
According to the GPL, it was in 1937 that Largo Maria da Fonte, currently known as Largo do Kinaxixi, was inaugurated and, "87 years later and already in the joy of independence, peace and development, this Monday, 11 November, the square is reopened, with a modern image".
The square's most emblematic landmark is the statue of Queen Njinga Mbandi, but the image of the square has been completely renovated, with this space gaining better access and facilities.
"In addition to having the statue of the historic Queen Njinga Mbandi at its center, the new social facility will have a significant impact, above all, on mobility, comfort and security in the perimeter. We are talking about new road accesses, video surveillance equipment, traffic lights, street lights, public changing rooms, urban furniture, green spaces, leisure and cultural promotion", points out the GPL, which asks residents to preserve this space and report "any attempt to vandalize the new facilities".
According to the Jornal de Angola, the (re)inauguration ceremony was attended by the governor of Luanda, Luís Nunes, as well as the vice-president of the MPLA, Luísa Damião, among other entities.
Luanda marks 49th anniversary of National Independence with flag raising and flower laying
This ceremony to reopen the square is part of the celebrations of National Independence Day, which is celebrated this Monday. However, this was not the only event held in Luanda to mark this event.
According to another note from the GPL, to which VerAngola had access, on Monday morning, the flag raising ceremony took place at the National Museum of Military History.
Francisco Pereira Furtado, Minister of State and Chief of the Military Household of the President of the Republic, presided over the ceremony, which was also attended by members of the Government, such as the Governor of Luanda, Luís Nunes. Also present were "senior officers of the Angolan Armed Forces and the National Police, vice-governors of Luanda, members of the GPL board and other entities".
Still within the scope of the celebrations, Francisco Pereira Furtado also laid a "wreath of flowers at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, in memory of the fearless nationalists who defended the homeland, autonomy and the fight for Angolan identity".
