The Office of the Government Spokesperson and public departments jointly hold a press briefing to give update on the post-typhoon relief efforts and recovery work.
The Government plans to launch a special tax relief scheme to alleviate difficulties faced by those whose vehicles had flood damage as a result of Typhoon Hato, announced today the Government Spokesperson, Mr Chan Chi Ping.
The proposal was announced during a joint press briefing by the Office of the Government Spokesperson and other public departments, to give updates on the post-typhoon relief efforts and recovery work.
Owners of vehicles with flood damage must cancel the vehicle registration lodged with the Transport Bureau in order to enjoy the Government’s special tax relief scheme when buying a new vehicle.
Under the scheme, an up to 80-percent refund on the tax that was originally paid on the now flood-damaged vehicles would be available when acquiring a new conventionally-powered vehicle. A 100-percent refund on the tax that was originally paid on the now flood-damaged vehicles would be available when acquiring a new vehicle powered by alternative energy sources: either liquid petroleum gas or hydrogen, solar power, or electricity.
The function of launching such a tax relief scheme is vested in the Legislative Assembly. The Government will submit the relevant proposal, which will be discussed as a priority in the new term of office of the Legislative Assembly.
The Transport Bureau noted approximately 700 four-wheeled motor vehicles and further 200 two-wheeled motor vehicles were flooded in the four public car parks that had flooding problems.
The Government is closely monitoring a new tropical depression weather system approaching the South China Sea. The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau was due to issue Tropical Cyclone Signal No.1 in the evening today. Based on the weather system’s currently-forecast route, the Bureau predicted the Signal No. 3 would be hoist at some time between Saturday evening and Sunday morning, with the likelihood that the approach of the storm would bring intensifying wind and heavy rain. The likely unstable weather conditions over the weekend might lead to minor flooding in the Inner Harbour area.
The Cultural Affairs Bureau said, in a press conference held on Wednesday (30 August), that Typhoon Hato did not significantly affect the buildings of the Historic Centre of Macao. But some Macao Government-run cultural facilities were closed for repair as a result of Typhoon Hato, including Patane Library and Coloane Library. It is expected those two facilities will resume operations in September. Additionally, Navy Yard No.1 – a contemporary art centre in Barra – was severely damaged by the storm.