Lighting costs uncertain for MOP45 million Sai Vai Bridge renovation

The government has spent at least MOP45 million on the renovation of the Sai Van Bridge, documents published by the Public Works Bureau (DSOP) and seen by the Times show.

The project was initially expected to be completed in only one phase, but later a second phase, solely dedicated to the renovation of the east side of the bridge lighting system, was added.

According to DSOP documents, all the project phases were conducted in a tender-by-invitation method.

The first phase was dedicated to repairing the exterior concrete structure of the Sai Van Bridge.

It saw the expansion joints on the bridge’s roadways replaced as well as repainting both sides of the towers and the bridge.

Guardhouse facilities were also created near the emergency vehicle access points of the bridge on the Macau and Taipa sides, among other undisclosed works which, according to other documents reviewed, also include part of the lighting system related to the bridge towers.

For this first phase, the DSOP invited eight companies, of which seven presented proposals ranging between MOP35,580,000 and MOP43,738,148.

Eventually, the work was awarded to the cheaper bid (MOP35,580,000) from Companhia de Construção e Engenharia EHY Limitada with an execution period of 180 working days.

To this sum was added costs related to the project, awarded to China Railway Major Bridge Reconnaissance & Design Institute Co., Ltd. (Macau Branch), for MOP1,500,000 and the Inspection works (MOP1,720,000), awarded to Bahh Consultoria Engenharia, Lda.

The second phase, related only to the renovation of the bridge’s east side lighting system, was organized in a separate tender to which the DSOP invited four companies, of which only three presented proposals.

The winning bid was the least costly of the three, and was awarded to E&E – Empresa de Instalações e Engenharia, Ltd.

This company’s proposal was priced at MOP6,088,000 with a works execution time of 120 working days. The second highest bid was about MOP6.7 million, while the highest was almost MOP9 million.

DSOP documents show that inspection of the second phase works was awarded to the company Foundation Engenharia e Consultoria, Lda., although DSOP has published no documents that show how much this service cost or how the awarding was done.

LED lighting the

center of turmoil

While the need for general maintenance of the Sai Vai Bridge was undisputed, the same was not true of the lighting system.

Tests made to this system early this month revealed to the public that the bridge now includes a different type of lighting that can change color constantly as well as display in a high-frequency flashing.

In the past, the bridge only had a still light that was a warm yellow color in both the towers and on the sides.

The DSOP did not stipulate in the tender documents what type of lighting was to be used.

It only mentioned the need for the renovation of lighting on the bridge’s East side due to the current lighting being worn out after the many years of use.

It was also not possible for the Times to ascertain the total value to be paid by the local government for the new lighting system of the bridge. Besides the MOP6,088,000 of the second phase, the other part of the costs is embedded in the other renovation jobs such as painting and replacing the expansion joints.

The Times contacted the DSOP about the specific aspects related to the lighting system but the service, headed by Lam Wai Hou, refused to explain further, responding with the link to the section of the DSOP website where some information has been published for the general public.

The DSOP also did not explain to the Times whether, when the renovation is concluded, the bridge will change its lighting form or color, or if it will continue to exhibit a similar aspect to in the past is this new system an option or possibility.

DSAT refuses to comment on Sai Vai Bridge lighting

Also contacted by the Times, the Transport Affairs Bureau (DSAT) refused to comment on whether the services had taken part in the decision on the new lighting system or if they had any concerns on the use of this system and the potential implications on driving.

The matter, aired by many citizens over social media as well as other community representatives heard previously by the Times, did not receive a response from DSAT, except for the service headed by Kelvin Lam responding only that such works were the responsibility of the DSOP.