Plot of land for infectious diseases building fenced off amid controversy

The Health Bureau and Infrastructure Development Office have begun fencing off the controversial land that was chosen for the construction of the infectious diseases building.
The project has drawn criticism from local associations, including the New Macau Association (ANM) and the Macau Civil Servants Association and also neighboring residents.
Back in March, representatives of the associations, along with two lawmakers and concerned residents, held a demonstration at the S. Francisco Garden (close to where the center will be built) to protest the  project’s construction.
According to the bureau, the eight-floor facility will be essential in preventing the outbreak of infectious diseases, including airborne and waterborne viruses, as well as those transmitted through blood and body fluids.
Lawmaker José Pereira Coutinho stressed to the Times yesterday that pushing the project through is a “bad idea” and that the move is not the way to get the “confidence and trust” of Macau residents.
“Maybe they want to settle the bill earlier because next year, there will be more restrictions on public funds,” he said, when asked if the government had ulterior motives for accelerating the project.
Coutinho also revealed that concerned residents are trying to hold a press conference to discourage the government from setting up the facility in their neighborhood.
ANM president Scott Chiang echoed the same sentiments, citing the absence of a proper administrative process and saying that the public consultation is “fake.”
Chiang claimed that the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, has refused to listen to the community of the area where the controversial facility will be built, close to the central hospital.
“He [Tam] is not actually going to listen to any opinion, he will push his own agenda,” said Chiang, describing the move as a “sad development.”
“I don’t know why he has to keep repeating this so-called public consultation without actually listening,” he added.
“Has the government department actually listened to it [protests]? No,” Chiang stated.
Chiang also said that there are speculations that Tam will capitalize on the delayed  opening of the region’s second public hospital (Islands Hospital in Cotai) to have the infectious disease center completed during his term as secretary.
“Maybe he has to push this one before he leaves [so] he has something to brag about. That’s how the rumors go, but I don’t know,” said the ANM president.
According to him, Tam lacks respect for the public and “always appears as if he knows better than anyone else.”
Although the ANM president believes that the region needs the project, as the city’s healthcare facilities are in need of “modernization”, he stressed that the building does not need to threaten the neighborhood.
“Maybe he should just focus on that [Anim’Arte project in Sai Van Lake], and not on the controversial argument,” he joked.
The Times also interviewed residents in the area. While some disagree with the government’s decision – as the site is extremely close to kindergartens and primary schools – one resident argued that the plan should still be entrusted to the government.
“They will solve the problem,” the resident claimed. Lynzy Valles