Resolving housing shortage deemed as top priority

Aspect of Sunday’s demonstration

Fulfilling the housing needs of Macau residents is a top priority for the government, according to a statement released by the authorities. The announcement follows large demonstrations which took place in Tap Seac Square on Sunday, in which protest leaders criticized the current policies regarding housing projects.
A statement from the Government Information Bureau confirmed that the government “respects and understands the opinions of those that joined a demonstration in order to express their views (…) regarding Macau residents’ housing needs.”
It continued by stating that the government “has always paid close attention to the housing needs of Macau residents,” and that “this is a top concern for local authorities.” According to the statement, the administration will “spare no effort in fostering the establishment of a long-term mechanism to ensure the housing needs of Macao residents are satisfied”, as outlined in the Policy Address for the Fiscal Year 2015.
“The government is collecting opinions and suggestions from the public to revise the home ownership scheme and other public housing-related regulations. The goal of those initiatives is to further optimize the allocation and management of our public housing resources.”
The statement added that the administration is currently taking steps to address the issue, including conducting studies into new types of public housing, carrying out ballots for different categories, and pressing ahead with the construction of new public housing.
“In addition, the government is committed to creating conditions to improve the quality of life for all,” the statement concluded. Staff reporter