Public consultation on land reclamation zones to be launched in Q1

Li Canfeng was sworn in on Friday

A public consultation on land reclamation zones A and B will be launched during this year’s first quarter, the newly sworn-in head of the Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT) said, quoted by Radio Macau.
Li Canfeng was sworn in on Friday, returning to public service six years after he resigned. Mr Canfeng served as deputy director of DSSOPT between 1998 and 2008. During former Secretary for Transport and Public Works Ao Man Long’s trial in 2007, he stated that he could not remember details related to the case. One year later, Mr Canfeng resigned.
Ao Man Long was sentenced by the Court of Final Appeal to 28 and a half years in prison for corruption, money laundering and unexplained wealth.
Mr Canfeng’s appointment raised controversy not only because of Ao Man Long’s case, but also because it remains unclear who chose him to head the bureau.
Chief Executive Chui Sai On and the new Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raimundo do Rosario have both stressed that Mr Canfeng’s professional history and educational background are suitable for the position. In addition to having served as DSSOPT’s deputy director, the bureau recalled that Mr Canfeng holds a doctoral degree and is familiar with operational matters.
The new DSSOPT director said on Friday that the bureau deals with a comprehensive portfolio involving different tasks, such as urban planning, land management, infrastructure, construction or project supervision. “Each task is closely related to people’s lives. Each task is related with the development of Macau. We will listen to social opinions and strengthen communication and exchanges with citizens to make our administration and information open and transparent,” he said, quoted by TDM News.
Mr Canfeng acknowledged that one of DSSOPT’s priorities is to launch public consultation in the first quarter of this year to assess and revise plans for land reclamation zones A and B, due to the LRT route. Recovering unused lands and fighting illegal construction were highlighted as other priorities too.