Barrier construction at Coloane Village finally picks up pace

[Photo: Renato Marques]

Announced more than three years ago, the construction of a flood barrier in the Coloane Village and Lai Chi Vun areas is now clearly underway.

The project is said to include a flood wall and two artificial panoramic lakes to contain excess seawater. One of these lakes will be located in the Lai Chi Vun area, and the other at Avenida de Cinco de Outubro.

During the presentation, the director of the Public Works Bureau (DSOP), Lam Wai Hou, explained that their purpose is to break storm-surge waves earlier, reducing their force when they reach the coast.

Lam also noted that the new lake areas will be beautified and will include leisure facilities, such as walkways and paths similar to those installed in the pond in front of the Taipa Houses Museum, allowing visitors to move around the lake areas.

A tentative rendering of the project was unveiled during a presentation by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) in early 2022, which focused on efforts to revamp the Lai Chi Vun area and turn it into a cultural destination.

According to DSOP, the project will extend from the northern end of Estrada de Lai Chi Vun in Coloane to the area downstream of Tam Kong Temple, encompassing the vicinity of Avenida de Cinco de Outubro, Rua dos Navegantes, and the Lai Chi Vun Shipyards.

The first phase of the project, now visible, includes constructing flood-prevention dikes, water sluice gates, and a temporary hydrographic observation station, among other water-related works.

The main elements of the works include the construction of flood-prevention dikes in the Lai Chi Vun and Avenida de Cinco de Outubro sections, four water sluice gates crossing the dikes, and the removal of silt from the two landscaped lakes at Lai Chi Vun and Cinco de Outubro, as well as the construction of hydrographic stations and environmental protection, monitoring, inspection, and testing facilities.

The government said the flood-prevention project is designed for a 200-year return period, with the corresponding projected tide level averaged at +3.85 meters.

Concurrently, the drainage system is designed for a 50-year return period, and the pumping station for a 20-year return period.

The main works were awarded to Nam Kwong (Group) Company Limited at a price of approximately MOP566 million.

The deadline for completion of the works is 710 working days, placing the expected completion around August 2027. According to the tender award contract, the first phase is expected to be concluded by the end of this year.