Advisory committee urges improved transport and disaster preparedness

The Islands District Community Service Consultative Council has called on authorities to strengthen public transport and infrastructure resilience during extreme weather.

Last week, Macau experienced its fourth Typhoon Signal No. 8 of the year as Typhoon Matmo brought record-breaking winds, with gusts exceeding hurricane force, heavy rain, and minor flooding in low-lying areas.

Committee members noted that during the typhoon, many travelers were stranded at border checkpoints or braved severe conditions to reach popular attractions, with hundreds waiting at taxi stands in Workers’ Stadium and Hengqin Border.

The Civil Protection Operations Center reported that the suspension of taxi services caused taxi waiting times at Gongbei and Hengqin border areas to exceed one hour.

Approximately 600 people were waiting at Workers’ Stadium and 280 at the Hengqin inbound hall, with around 408 taxis in operation.

To address this, the panel suggested a coordinated mechanism for border operations and limited bus or shuttle services during holidays when a No. 8 tropical cyclone signal is in effect, combined with social media updates to keep residents and tourists informed.

The committee also recalled the severe flooding in Coloane caused by Super Typhoon Podul and recommended short-term financial support, upgrades to the drainage network, and acceleration of flood prevention projects on the west side of the island.

The suggestion comes as significant flooding in August was recorded at Caminho das Hortas, Rua de Fernão Mendes Pinto (the area surrounding the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory), and at the Seac Pai Van roundabout in Coloane.

Also, a large amount of rainwater fell over Taipa Grande hill, contributing to the flooding at Caminho das Hortas in Taipa. According to footage and photos posted by citizens on social media, the rainwater also caused mudslides and sent rocks onto the road at Estrada Ponta da Cabrita, in front of the Sa Kong Cemetery in Taipa.

Meanwhile, for post-storm recovery, members proposed a digital repair-tracking system using drones to assess damage, monitor restoration progress, and allow residents to report infrastructure issues through dedicated channels.

The advisory panel said that these measures would improve safety, facilitate travel, and enhance the city’s ability to maintain essential services during typhoons and other extreme weather events.

Previously, lawmakers have also called on the government to review the implementation of the existing guidelines for employees’ commuting arrangements during typhoons.

Ellai Lei has long requested that the local government improve administrative efficiency and prevent requiring workers to rush to offices during extreme weather while the roads are heavily congested.