Chui downplays illegal occupation of Hac Sa land

Chief Executive Chui Sai On downplayed the illegal occupation of a land plot at Hac Sa, Coloane, when questioned by journalists at the local airport on Monday.

“I cannot agree […] that the illegal land occupation issue in Coloane is serious,” Chui said.

He confirmed that he had received reports about the issue and said that he would instruct the relevant department to work on the case, adding that the Secretary for Transport and Public Works would have the final word.

The illegal occupation and engineering works on state-owned land near the Tai Wong Temple – including the reclamation of a nearby lake – was revealed in a news report by Macau Asia Satellite Television (MASTV) last month. Earlier this month, lawmakers Ella Lei and Leong Sun Iok organized a press conference at the village to denounce the case.

Chui emphasized that the government would crack down on any illegal land occupation or illegal use of state-owned lands.

Chui’s office issued a statement late on Monday night that the Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT) has been making constant efforts to combat illegal engineering works and illegal occupations of state-owned lands, and pledged to punish those who do not obey land law.

“Several processes were conducted regarding lake reclamation and the destruction of a green space in Hac Sa village,” the statement reads.

The bureau said it was on record that the land had been occupied by construction machines, containers, and engineering debris.

However, an unlicensed project was found to be under development at the beginning of this year, with the land undergoing unauthorized expansion.  

DSSOPT added that the parties involved would be required to leave and restore the land’s original status. JZ