Briefs | Macau expresses solidarity with Taiwan after earthquake

The local government has expressed great concern regarding the 6.7-magnitude earthquake that hit the southern part of Taiwan. The Chief Executive, Chui Sai On, extended his deepest condolences to the families of those injured as a result of the earthquake. The government issued a statement saying it is paying close attention to the latest developments in relation to the incident, and is maintaining close contact with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Macau. It will also provide assistance to any Macau residents who have been affected by the earthquake in Taiwan.

‘Beautification of garbage collection facilities’ launched

The Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) has launched a design and research program focusing on the “beautification of garbage collection facilities.” This will be conducted together with the “Step Out, Experience Macau’s Communities” program, which aims to promote community tours and the development of diversified tourism products in Macau. IACM has invited the Macau Polytechnic Institute’s School of Arts to help conduct the project. The main concept of the design and research program is to demonstrate the impression of Macau as a cultural blend of the Chinese and the Portuguese, a showcase of history and culture, and an integration of life and art.

IACM expects to collect 323 tons of ‘large objects’

The Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) has revealed to Lusa agency that it expects to have collected this year, and in the period before the new Lunar Year, about 323 tons of furniture, appliances and other household equipment. The Bureau said that this year it extended its usual campaign for the collection of these kinds of objects to 118 collection points (ten more than in 2015). This year’s campaign ran from January 25 to February 7 and was expected to substantially break last year’s record of 287 tons, which was treated as waste for incineration or landfill by the Macau Waste Systems Company (CSR). The period just before the Chinese New Year is usually used by families to do  thorough spring clean of their households, and to get rid of objects that are broken, no longer useful or are considered old and obsolete.