Bill to ban construction in Coloane vetoed for the third time

For the third time, a proposal that aims to protect Coloane’s environment in a more meaningful way has been rejected in the Legislative Assembly. The motion was supported by 11 lawmakers and opposed by 20.

According to Macau law, there are 198,060 square meters in Coloane that are included in the city’s protection area. This area exists to protect the region’s science, ecosystem, and education fields.

José Pereira Coutinho proposed the law be extended so that it will ban the construction of buildings in Coloane’s legally protected lands.

Song Pek Kei voiced concerns about how the neighborhood, more specifically the Seac Pai Van’s public housing residents, will be treated once the law is passed.

According to Coutinho, it has not yet been revealed to the public how much land is still under the protection of the law. He noted that many years have passed since the law’s first establishment by the Portuguese administration.

“Coloane is the backyard of Macau. Besides Zhuhai, Coloane is the only relatively green place in Macau that local residents can visit,” said Leong Veng Chai, who remarked that even the pandas live in Coloane. “If buildings are to be built in Coloane, where are the pandas going to go?”

Ho Ion Sang also expressed his opinion on the bill. Ho said “I am willing to protect Coloane,” although he still has many doubts over the details regarding an article on preventing construction in the area.

Lei Cheng I, who supported the motion said that even though the bill was rejected again, it should continue to be discussed in the future.