Authorities demolish three hazardous buildings ahead of typhoon season

The Land and Urban Construction Bureau (DSSCU) demolished three dilapidated buildings last month after their owners failed to comply with removal orders, as authorities ramp up public safety efforts ahead of the city’s rainy and typhoon season.

The three dangerous structures were located on Rua do Amparo, Rua dos Ervanários, and Pátio de Chung Ka Lai. All three buildings exhibited risks of wall or beam collapse, with some already having partially collapsed roofs, according to the bureau.

The DSSCU inspection committee certified each structure as being in a dilapidated state, posing a serious threat to public safety. The bureau issued notices and posted public announcements requiring the property owners to carry out demolitions within a specified deadline. After the owners failed to comply, the government proceeded with demolition work last month. The owners will bear all associated costs and fines.

With Macau entering the typhoon and rainy season, authorities are urging owners to pay extra attention to their buildings’ conditions. Any signs of loose windows, exterior wall finishes, signboards, or protruding structures should be addressed immediately to eliminate potential hazards. Negligence that endangers lives or causes property damage may result in liability for the owners.

The DSSCU monitors building conditions through routine patrols, public complaints, and referrals from other government departments. This system allows the bureau to identify neglected structures before they pose imminent dangers to surrounding areas and pedestrians.

In the first quarter of this year, bureau personnel conducted 106 inspections related to building neglect and issued 84 notices requiring owners to promptly inspect and repair their properties.