PUBLIC CONSULTATION | High-rise blocks on reclamation Zone B remain residents’ top concern

Press conference – reclamation zones public consultation

The government’s plan to allow high-rise buildings to be built on reclamation Zone B remains among residents’ top concerns, according to a preliminary evaluation of the new reclamation zone blueprint public consultation, now in its third phase.
The Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT) revealed on Friday that between June and August, it had gathered a total of 218 written opinions on the five new reclamation zones.
A preliminary assessment of residents’ opinions show that 117 views focused on potential high-rise blocks planned for reclamation in Zone B, which some fear may have an impact on Macau’s landscape.
60 people oppose the development of high-rise blocks in Zone B, since these may obstruct the view to Penha Hill, where some of Macau’s UNESCO World Heritage monuments are situated.
On the other hand, 57 respondents called for a “sustained development” of Zone B, claiming that construction of too many low-rise buildings contravenes the principle of rational land use. They called on the government to find a solution.
DSSOPT’s deputy director, Cheong Ion Man, told a press conference on Friday that they would be able to balance the opinions of experts with those of residents. He added that regarding Zone B, the government is cooperating with experts, some of whom specialize in UNESCO cultural heritage.
Community centers and facilities planned for reclamation Zone A also feature among residents’ top concerns.
They fear that, in an area that is expected to accommodate 28,000 public and 4,000 private housing units, the planned community facilities might not meet residential demand. In addition to public amenities, citizens urged the government to build more social services facilities, and health centers, as well as recreational and sports venues.
DSSOPT said that two elderly nursing homes are planned for Zone A and one for Zone E, in addition to other smaller elderly care facilities. Two health centers will be built within Zone A.
Potential traffic woes are another concern in residents’ written opinions. They suggested that the authorities carefully plan Zone A’s transportation and road systems in order to avoid further traffic pressure.
Furthermore, they have asked the government to give due consideration to planning the links between Zone A and other reclamation land areas, the Macau peninsula, and the artificial island at the border crossing of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge, while also retaining space for the construction of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system.
Dozens of residents expressed their views on public housing policies, stating that they expect the government to reinforce public housing resources. Moreover, they hope that the administration implements its housing policies within the new reclamation zones under the principle of “Macau land for Macau people”.
The public consultation period had been extended amid public outcry over the government’s intention to concentrate public housing units within Zone A, while other community facilities and green areas would be built on other reclamation zones.
The public consultation’s third phase on the reclamation zones’ blueprint will end on August 28.
The five new reclaimed zones are expected to accommodate 162,000 inhabitants, 28,000 public housing units and 26,000 private units. The current plan places all public housing units within Zone A, which is projected to have a residential density of 70,000 people per square kilometer.

Bridge option could be 24 percent cheaper

The Macau government has not yet reached consensus on whether to build a bridge or tunnel as the fourth link between Macau and Taipa.  The deputy director of the Land, Public Works, and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT), Cheong Ion Man, hinted that Macau’s administration favours the construction of a bridge, since the cost of a tunnel could be at least 24 percent higher. Mr Cheong did not, however, disclose an overall budget.
He said that the authorities hoped to build a link that could be used in severe weather conditions, with a special lane for motorcyclists. This could be modelled on the Sai Van bridge, comprising of a lower deck opening on typhoon days, or a tunnel.
However, he recalled that the tunnel option – in addition to being more expensive – entails more complex construction works, as it would have to be built 50 to 60 meters below sea level.
The government would need a larger budget to build a tunnel that could be used by both cars and motorcycles, with a particular emphasis on the installation of a ventilation system.
The administration will make the final decision after receiving the results of a research study on the potential link.