49 investment plan projects had zero implementation rate in Q1

The Public Finance Affairs Follow-up Committee has reviewed the first quarter investment plan budget implementation report for 2024, revealing both progress and delays in various government projects.

According to committee chairman Wong Kit Cheng, the initial budget for the investment plan was MOP17.42 billion, with an approved budget of MOP17.48 billion, representing an increase of MOP59.79 million from the original plan. The overall budget implementation rate stood at 29.8%.

The investment plan included 222 projects in the first quarter.

Of these, nine were new projects that were registered. Additionally, two projects involving the Maritime and Water Bureau were cancelled. The government explained that cancellations of phase two construction projects in the Coloane area and on the artificial island were due to the need to coordinate with the Coloane Waste Water Treatment Plant.

The committee noted that 49 investment plan projects had a zero implementation rate, with the Public Works Bureau, Cultural Affairs Bureau, Housing Bureau, Financial Services Bureau, University of Macau, and Environmental Protection Bureau each accounting for multiple stalled projects. Additionally, the committee was informed that the completion of the local airport’s expansion plan and the Taipa Grande tunnel would be delayed, with the latter pushed back by one year to 2029.

The committee has requested that the government provide further explanations of the reasons behind the various delays and cancellations, as well as the overall plan for the future upgrade of the Coloane Waste Water Treatment Plant. staff reporter