Ron Lam calls for IC accountability in overpass case

Lawmaker Ron Lam has called for a probe into the Cultural Affairs Bureau’s (IC) accountability regarding the construction of an overpass linking Zones A and B of the new landfills.

In a written inquiry to the government, the lawmaker noted that a recent UNESCO request soliciting a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) aims to ensure the project does not breach regulations established to protect World Heritage properties.

He claimed that IC officials acted irresponsibly in the matter.

According to Lam, the IC should have initiated a thorough assessment before the project advanced. Instead, he said, they ignored their responsibilities, and the government’s actions were forced to stop due to UNESCO’s intervention.

“It cannot be denied that Macau has significant issues in its planning and implementation procedures, even violating the notification and review provisions of Article 172 of the World Heritage Convention,” Lam remarked.

“If a State Party to the Convention intends to undertake or approve large-scale restoration or construction projects in areas protected under the Convention that may affect the Outstanding Universal Value of the heritage, the World Heritage Committee encourages the State Party to communicate such intentions to the Committee through the Secretariat. States Parties must issue notifications promptly (e.g., before drafting the basic documents for specific projects) and before making any irreversible decisions, to enable the Committee to assist in finding appropriate solutions in a timely manner and ensure the preservation of the Outstanding Universal Value of the heritage.”

The project was transformed into an overpass after preliminary studies ruled out a tunnel as a viable option.

However, the planned structure has drawn criticism due to its height, which could potentially disrupt the visual corridor to the Guia Lighthouse.

Previously, the IC dismissed the need for further assessment, stating that the structure was not a building and therefore would not entirely obstruct the view.

As a result of UNESCO’s request, the government has suspended the preparatory works, including the public tender process for the design and construction of the overpass.

Jetfoil group welcomes suspension of overpass project

The Jetfoil Conservation Concern Group also welcomed the suspension of the overpass project, having raised several concerns in the past.

In a statement expressing satisfaction, the group said, “We hope the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal can remain in operation to satisfy the needs of tourists, residents, and businesses, as well as continue serving as an effective commuting option between the city centers of Hong Kong and Macau.”

The group has previously claimed the project could negatively affect the terminal’s operation, the maritime links between Macau and Hong Kong, and Jetfoil services.

Nonetheless, the group noted that of the three original proposals – Lower Bridge, Tall Bridge, and Tunnel – the tunnel has been ruled out by the government, and UNESCO is currently assessing the Tall Bridge.

The remaining option, the Lower Bridge, would require closing the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal to ferries and large vessels.

In a recent Legislative Assembly session, Marine and Water Bureau director Susana Wong stated that the Taipa Ferry Terminal cannot accommodate large ships such as Jetfoils due to insufficient water depth.