The inauguration marked in Luanda, the passage of the 13th anniversary of 'April 4 ' Day of Peace and National Reconciliation.
Accompanied by the first lady, Ana Paula dos Santos, and various members of the Government, the Head of State traveled by boat to the location of the opening in the south of Luanda. The terminal Kapossoca to the Museum of Slavery, the trip lasted about 15 minutes.
Upon your arrival on site, President Santos received detailed explanations of how the project will work and was keen to know the complex designed by Angolan architect Marita Silva. Inside the auditorium, the President attended the screening of a video showing the construction work process. Art, culture and tourism coexist harmoniously, in a space with the protection zone of the Museum of Slavery. Implementation period was 11 months and the various equipment are fully integrated.
The director general of the Special Works Office, Leonel da Cruz, who officially handed over the complex to the Provincial Government, said it will be necessary to prepare the National Road 120 adjacent to the Slavery Museum for smoother motor-vehicle traffic.
Leonel da Cruz recalled that it was due to the concern to provide an environment in which art and culture came together harmoniously and showcase artists, highlighting the makers of painting and sculpture, the Executive decided to erect the historical memory space. "We recognize that the transfer of the craft market for this natural garden, common efforts should be made towards a better adaptation of road traffic on this section of National Highway 120, adjacent to the space," he said.
Great beauty center
The Provincial Governor of Luanda considered the complex a work of "great beauty and good taste", which will add value to culture, precisely because the project is from the Museum of Slavery, in an area which is of great historical significance in Angola and the African continent.
Graciano Domingos said that slavery was "a disgrace to humanity" and highlighted the achievements of the Head of State to end its remnants in Angola. The governor said the Benfica Arts Center and the new sea passenger terminal will generate jobs, capitalize on tourism, recreation and give dignity to craftsmen. And promised that the part of the GPL, is committed to preserving and financial viability of the complex.
Complex with elegance
Built by the Special Works Office (GOE), the complex that houses the largest center of production, exhibition and sale of handicrafts Luanda, has a picture of gracefulness and elegance that stands out. Designed to the delight of tourists and comfort of the craftsmen, the new craft market has green spaces and well-equipped service areas. They are in total 275 stands, studio, coffee space, exhibition and an auditorium with a capacity of 161 seats.
First purchase
With the Peace Day celebrations to serve as a backdrop, the ceremony was marked by several moments that evoke the significance of the date for the Angolan people. For the artisan Filomena António, 54, the date had a meaning even more special. Was the first to open sales in the new craft market and had the first client, precisely, the architect of peace: José Eduardo dos Santos. The President bought three pieces of art and was offered another. The pieces were made of Mateba. Filomena António, which is part of an artisan cooperative, offered a the same material casket to its first customer in its new sales floor.
Passenger terminal
Following President Jose Eduardo dos Santos inaugurated the Terminal Passenger Port of Slavery Museum and proceeded to the delivery of the vessel (Panguila catamaran) that will begin operating from that point.
The new terminal, the fifth of its kind in Luanda seafront, is part of an executive program that aims to integrate the Transport Project Maritime Passenger throughout the Angolan coastline. They are now operating five terminals: Port of Luanda, Kapossoca, Mussulo, Macoco and Slavery Museum.
The new Passenger Terminal Maritime Museum of Slavery, which has a quay of 55 meters long and five wide, has three components: a floating pier, a mobile and a fixed bridge. Work began in September 2014. The terminal has a building with two floors, box office, captaincy, five stores, a restaurant, a private passenger room and a Jango, which will function as the waiting room. The Catamaran Panguila has a capacity of 130 seats and will start operating two more vessels in the next two months.
