The General Central of Free and Independent Trade Unions of Angola (CGCILA) has called for the resignation of Minister of Construction Carlos dos Santos, following a series of fatal workplace accidents linked to unsafe demolition practices in Angola’s construction sector.
The call came in the wake of a tragic incident in Cuanza Sul, where a 39-year-old worker died in late May while helping to demolish a five-story building.
The demolition was reportedly carried out manually and without proper safety protocols, sparking public outcry and union demands for accountability.
“They were over two meters high, on unsafe floors, and they were knocking down a beam that hit my brother in the chest,” said Ângelo Júlio, an employee of China Zhong Tai, the company overseeing the demolition.
“They gave him first aid, took him to the hospital, and then we received the sad news that our brother had died.”
The victim’s uncle, Rodrigues Alberto, confirmed that the death was caused by trauma.
He said the family has reported the incident to the General Labor Inspectorate and is working with both the company and provincial safety officials.
Germano Peanda, head of the Provincial Services of the General Labor Inspectorate, stated, “The process is being processed and in due course both parties will be notified so that there will be guidelines to ensure that no more accidents occur.”
Despite government assurances, union leaders remain unconvinced.
While laying the groundwork for building demolitions across five provinces, Minister Carlos dos Santos claimed safety was a top priority: “Work of this type requires strict safety measures, so it is always necessary to restrict traffic as well.”
But CGCILA’s provincial president, Manuel Calumbo, strongly disagrees.
“Out of respect for the Angolan people, call the Minister of Public Works who misled the President and took all this money from a poor country to demolish with stone age material,” he said.
“The minister should honestly offer his position. With this way of working, more people will die in Huambo, Bié, Uíge.”
Official figures from the General Labor Inspectorate show a worrying trend. Angola recorded 133,424 workplace infractions over the past five years—averaging more than 26,600 per year.
The construction, energy, industry, and commerce sectors remain the most affected.
“These are very consistent data, meaning we must continue working to reduce this number,” said Germano Peanda.
As pressure mounts, the government faces increased scrutiny over safety standards in Angola’s fast-growing construction industry.
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