The Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT) announced last Friday at the Legislative Assembly (AL) plenary meeting that it expects to complete planning for the Canidrome land in the second quarter of 2018.
Several lawmakers, including Song Pek Kei, Ip Sio Kai, and Lam Lon Wai, suggested possible developments for the 40,000-square meter plot.
The Canidrome is expected to cease operations at its current premises no later than mid-July.
Song said that four schools should be built on the plot and asked about the stage of planning.
The Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raimundo do Rosário, admitted he does not have a “specific and mature” reply regarding the plans for the Canidrome land.
Li Canfeng, DSSOPT director, noted that a relevant research study on plans for the land was commissioned last April and is expected to be ready in the second quarter.
According to the DSSOPT director, the plot is intended for public use and social purposes. The government has collected opinions from several sectors, including the education and sport industries.
“Hardware for preventing and reducing disasters […] is one of the directions of the research,” said Li, explaining that in the aftermath of typhoon Hato, there have been a number of suggestions for an underground reservoir to be built there.
Li claimed that the government will consider providing more spaces for educational purposes, and pledged that the current sports facilities at the Canidrome will be maintained and even expanded. A large- scale car park is also under consideration.
Lawmaker Ip expressed hopes that the government can revitalize the city’s northern district and spur economic development to help people’s livelihoods.
Leong, a strong proponent of public housing for young people on the Canidrome land, reiterated her stance on Friday.
Au Kam San remarked that “everybody is trying to put something onto it [Canidrome land]” but pointed out that the land is limited, and that arrangements will be complicated if all sectors wish to use it.
Au added that “some governmental department […] is longing after glory” because it plans to put as many as schools on the land as possible in order to build up their political merit. He said that the government should study how to best make use of the land.
Lawmaker Lam Lon Wai said society can share the resources of any schools built on the land, such as libraries and sports facilities.
He stated that the Canidrome land is free of air pollution, which is good for strengthening the students’ physical abilities and avoiding infectious diseases.
Agnes Lam suggested that the government come up with a convincing plan to avoid disagreements with other departments.
In his closing remarks, Raimundo concluded that using the Canidrome land might not curb the increasing population in the northern district. He hinted that the related plan will only become effective after the chief executive approves it.
More environmental protection laws to be established
THE GOVERNMENT will establish new laws and regulations for environmental protection, according to Macau Environmental Protection Bureau director Raymond Tam. Meanwhile, four relevant administrative regulations have already entered legislative procedures. When questioned by lawmaker Agnes Lam, Tam said that the government will try its best to support the recycling industry – including the launch of planned subsidy programs for equipment and vehicles within the industry – thus improving its own competencies while advancing the development of Macau’s recycling activity.
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