IAS advances rollout of social services in Zone A

Social service facilities in the Areia Preta district’s New Urban Zone A are being implemented in an orderly manner, with nurseries, elderly service centers, and vocational training centers for people with disabilities already operational, the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) announced.

Other social welfare facilities will gradually commence operations as new residential buildings are completed, IAS president Hon Wai confirmed. He added that various support services will be arranged as soon as possible before residents begin moving into the area.

Hon emphasized that special attention will be given to critical areas including childcare services, nursery operations, community services, and day care for the elderly, with deployments in these sectors taking priority.

According to Hon, Zone A will feature three elderly homes, providing a total of 1,100 beds. A social work center will also be established in the zone. To address the needs of incoming residents, the IAS will draw on past experience from public housing projects in Seac Pai Van, Coloane.

Regarding the current elderly apartment scheme, Hon revealed that there are currently 1,800 units in total, with more than 1,000 households already moved in, representing 60 to 70 percent occupancy, leaving some capacity still available. The authorities will continue to monitor application and occupancy rates while studying and evaluating the specific operational model of the apartments.

Whether the model will be extended to New Zone A in the future will depend on overall urban planning and housing policy considerations.

Separately, Hon stated that the new phase of the 10-year action plan for rehabilitation services, covering 2026 to 2035, is expected to be announced before June.