The New Macau Association found “suspicious traces” that government departments may have contributed to expedite the bureaucratic procedures for the construction company regarding the proposed 100-meter skyscraper planned for Coloane’s hill (Estrada do Campo). The association delivered a complaint to the Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) yesterday, showing several documents that raise suspicions of favoritism from government departments.
The complaint is based on several decisions taken by the administration over a four year period (2009-2013) that converged to help this specific development project, the leader of New Macau Association, Scott Chiang, told journalists when delivering the documents to Macau’s corruption watchdog.
Chiang explained, “back in 2007 there was a plan clearly stating that the construction height for that entire area could not exceed 12 meters but in 2009 an updated version of the same plan excluded precisely the area in question without further explanation or reason,” adding that “a few years later in 2012 the developer had already applied for the development and with very suspicious efficiency the government issued a temporary project license, which preceded the environmental impact assessment.”
According to Chiang, back in 2012 when the government issued the first temporary license for the project, it was only valid for 12 months. “Although we are now in 2016 it seems that condition is still valid and we have to question why. (…) It seems like the government rushed the process so it could give an assurance to the development before the enforcement of the new Urban Development Plan of 2014.”
Questioned by reporters about what the worst impact of the building could be (should it be built), Scott Chiang said that there are serious worries at two different levels: “First, this project will dig up half of the hill which will have a terrible impact on the environment in Coloane, the last piece of natural environment we can find in Macau.” More importantly, according to him, is what he deems as the ‘B2 effect’: “Once you allow a project of such height in this location, all the surrounding landowners will say ‘why can’t I do the same thing?’ so all of Coloane Island would be effectively gone.”
This development has been “in the line of fire” over the last week with several people and organizations expressing their discontent.
The government issued assurances that the project has not yet been granted a construction permit by the Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT). A statement from the Government Information Bureau reiterated that starting construction on any project without a building permit is against the law.
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