Angola aims to have spent 542 billion kwanza (US$4.97 billion) on water supply and conservation projects by the end of the 2013 to 2017 period, said Luís Felipe da Silva, the country’s State Secretary for Water.

Mr Silva made the remarks during the 7th World Water Forum currently being held in South Korea, Angolan news agency Angop reported.

The projects aim to improve the quality of life in the country and promote sustainable use of water, he was quoted saying.

The government also wants to prevent water shortages and related problems, as well as to ensure water safety, Mr Silva added.