Namibe: The Vice-President of the Republic, Esperan§a Costa, arrived in the south-western province of Namibe on Wednesday morning for a 72-hour working visit, where she will chair the 3rd Ordinary Session of the Multisectoral Commission for Safeguarding the World Cultural Heritage. At Welwitschia Mirabilis airport, she was greeted by the provincial governor, Archer Mangueira, and other officials.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the commission, established by Presidential Order and coordinated by the Vice-President, is focused on promoting the implementation of conservation programs and participatory management of national cultural heritage, aligning with international conventions and treaties. As part of her agenda, Esperan§a Costa is expected to undertake a guided tour of the Tchitundo Hulu caves in Virei municipality. This visit aims to assess the historical component and the current state of conservation of the site’s cave paintings, which hold significant historical, cultural, and tourist value.
Additionally, in the same municipality, Esperan§a Costa will engage in a tree planting event as part of the ‘Knowledge to Preserve Campaign’ led by the Executive. The ‘Okulinonga’ Project, centered on teaching and learning, will be presented to her by the director of Education, Youth and Sports. This will be followed by a presentation on the process of elevating the Tchitundu-Hulu Engravings and Rock Paintings to World Historical Heritage status.
The Vice-President’s itinerary also includes visits to several key sites in Mo§Smedes, such as the So Fernando Fortress, the Cine Estºdio, the ‘Patrice Lumumba’ Primary Teaching, and the University of Namibe. On the final day of her visit, she will meet with members of the Provincial Government to discuss various issues and will visit the Namibe Maternal and Child Hospital.