Officials urged to review infrastructure drainage capacity after heavy rain floods

Underground bus terminal at Border Gate

As heavy rains caused flooding in parts of Macau over the weekend, some residents are calling on officials to evaluate the drainage capacity of the city’s infrastructure and strengthen maintenance efforts.

On Saturday, water leaked from the ceiling of the Border Gate underground bus terminal as drainage lines at the nearby border checkpoint backed up during downpours. Wu Chou Kit, president of the Macau Institution of Engineers, said aging pipes at the bus terminal may be to blame and that the broader canal network was not at fault.

However, Wu believes Macau should review drainage systems in each district to prepare for increasingly frequent severe weather. He suggested utilizing “V-shaped land” near the under-construction light rail line to simultaneously expand pipes across the northern region, as cited in a TDM report.

Deputy convener Kou Ngon Fong of the North District Community Service Advisory Committee also wants authorities to comprehensively inspect for leaks. Flooding has occurred in renovation works at Fai Chi Kei District during rains. He hopes officials implement response plans to ensure projects do not hinder drainage and reduce disruption to local residents.

Staff Reporter