Briefs | Governments expects to build tunnels at Guia Hill

The Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT) revealed that it would be possible to build tunnels close to Guia Hill in order to allow pedestrians to access the hill by walking. According to a notice published recently by the department, a consultation company has been invited to do research on the possibility of opening such facilities. DSSOPT is considering the construction of one tunnel through the east and the west of Guia Hill, as well as the construction of bridges on the outside to connect the tunnels to Macau Ferry terminal and to Zona de Aterros do Porto Exterior (ZAPE).

Lorcha Macau won’t be returning to the city

Alexis Tam, the secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, says that Macau government will not take back Lorcha Macau to the region. Lorcha Macau is a mix of Chinese style junk and the Portuguese “caravela,” which was built in Macau 29 years ago, that is currently parked in Portimão, Portugal. The discussion of this topic was triggered by Fundação Oriente, the entity that currently owns the ship; Fundação Oriente asked Tam’s office on the chance of Macau taking back the “lorcha”. According to a report by Jornal Cheng Pou, Alexis Tam said that the Macau government had considered the boat’s value, the cost of repairing it, and benefits it could contribute to the economy and had come to the conclusion that it would be inappropriate to accept the ferry. The secretary acknowledged that the replica of 17th century “lorchas” has historical value, but said that it would be in Macau’s best interest to keep it parked in Portugal’s waters.