Government revises reclamation plan

The Government has revised its plan for reclamation by cutting the proposed area from 500 hectares to 400 hectares, the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lau Si Io, said today. He said the Government adjusted the plan slightly after taking into consideration the opinion of related ministries and departments of the Central Government. Answering questions at the Legislative Assembly today, Mr Lau said with the adjustment, the total area for development would also be reduced from 398 to 350 hectares. Mr Lau re-iterated that the reclaimed land would not be used for building gaming premises or low density houses. He said about 60 per cent would be designated for open areas such as plazas, green areas, roads and public facilities, with areas reserved for public housing and projects that would benefit the diversification of Macao’s economy. Two of the reclamation zones would be in the northeast of Macao Peninsula (Zone A), the south of Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen (Zone B), and three in the north of Taipa (Zone C, D and E). Zone A will cover 138 hectares and is designated for residential buildings, schools, green and public facilities, with some of the areas for the MICE industry and other projects. Zone B will cover 47 hectares and will be used for public institutions, roads, green areas and seashore avenues. Zone C, D and E will cover 165 hectures and will be used for residential buildings, transportation infrastructure, green areas and recreational facilities. Mr Lau said that the Government would consult the public on the plan when it has been approved by the Central Government.