World heritage site in Angola is at risk

Luanda, (Prensa Latina) New constructions in the vicinity of the historic center of Mbanza Kongo, in northwestern Angola, could affect the preservation of the place, which was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), local media reported.

June 12, 2021
00:15

The home and office buildings in that area pose a danger, Secretary of State for Culture Maria da Piedade de Jesus said after completing a tour of the demarcation, Jornal de Angola reported.

Among the potential threats, she mentioned the construction of a new building for the National Electricity Distribution Company, few meters from the Mpindi a Tadi historic space, where the bodies of the ancient Kongo kings were embalmed.

The expert also called to reinforce educational efforts focused on the community, with a view to complying with urban regulations.

In July 2017, the World Heritage list included the vestiges of the city of Mbanza Kongo, the political and spiritual capital of the Kingdom of Kongo, one of the largest structured States in Southern Africa between the 14th and 19th centuries, UNESCO indicated.

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