Pipe replacement works face obstacles

The mobility of Macau residents is often challenged whenever construction work on underground utilities is underway. Although
Raimundo do Rosario has ensured that the number of pipe replacement and repair works decreased over last year, lawmakers urged the government to implement measures that will accelerate the process.
In a spoken enquiry, Si Ka Lon asked the government whether it would consider building an underground utilities network both in Macau and in new reclaimed land areas, so that all electricity, water and gas companies can manage their own networks within the same place.
Mr Rosario, however, acknowledged that according to a study conducted by DSSOPT, it would be extremely difficult to build a single underground utilities network in Macau, given a lack of space, high population density and scarce land resources.
Nevertheless, he added that the government will consider building such a network within the new reclaimed land areas that are currently under development.
The secretary acknowledged that often pipe replacement works are not completed within their deadlines. “I have stressed before that delays on completing these works are an even bigger issue than a budget overrun,” he said, adding that, the government will ensure that contractors meet deadlines in the future.
Furthermore, the secretary recalled that newly introduced noise regulations have resulted in the banning of public works overnight.
Several lawmakers, however, raised further criticisms, recalling that residents often feel enraged over pipe replacement works and the problems associated with them.
“That’s what people are most furious about: when one underground utilities work finishes, another soon begins,” Au Kam San said. He called for further coordination between services to ease and speed up road works.