Gov’t considers regular San Ma Lo footpath

The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) has said it may make Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro a pedestrian-only zone more often after the popularity of the recent five-day event.

Should residents welcome the event and if it can be run smoothly, the bureau will “actively consider” organizing it more regularly, the president of the IC, Leong Wai Man, told the press on the sidelines of this weekend’s event.

The IC president added that evaluations will be held, and emphasized the importance of receiving comments from other bureaus such as the Transport Bureau (DSAT) and the Public Security Police Force (PSP).

Leong said this year’s five-day event cost MOP2.6 million, which was primarily spent on installations and staffing costs.

The IC president said she was satisfied with the outcome of the first three days of the Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro event, which “surpassed expectations.”

The last two days of the event, which fell on the First Full Moon Festival – also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day – saw entities promoting traditional Chinese medicine and showcasing floral heart-shaped backdrops, as well as the IC extending the pawnshop museum’s hours to increase the event’s attractiveness, the IC president said.

However, unlike the event’s first three days that coincided with the Lunar New Year public holidays, this past weekend did not. According to local media Macao Daily News, roads and streets near Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, such as Avenida de Praia Grande, Rua do Visconde Paco de Arcos and Rua das Lorchas, saw significant traffic congestion this weekend as cars tried to enter or leave the area.

One of the reasons for this is that many bus routes passing along Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro were detoured to Sai Van, and resumed their original routes through the Inner Harbour zone. Police have reportedly deployed more officers to maintain traffic order. AL