The Chief Executive, Sam Hou Fai, stated this Sunday that the government is gathering public opinions as part of the “Strategic Study for the Development of Macau Light Rail,” urging active participation from different sectors of society so that the planning of the system takes into account the current situation of the city and its long-term development.
The government official argued that public contributions will be crucial for refining the route of future lines and guiding decisions regarding one of the city’s main transportation infrastructures. Speaking to the media after visiting a flower and Chinese New Year products fair at Tap Siac Square, the official began by extending New Year greetings to media professionals and the people of Macau.
Regarding the planning of the Light Rail, Sam Hou Fai emphasized that the Executive is giving “high attention” to the transportation system, recalling that, following the decision of the Executive Council to hold a public consultation about the routes, the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raymond Tam, and his team have organized several opinion-gathering sessions. The goal is to continue listening to society through various channels.
According to the Chief Executive, the preliminary proposal being consulted is based on a study conducted by a consulting firm, following research on the reality of Macau, and seeks to address the future needs of sustainable development in the region.
Acknowledging that large-scale projects with long construction periods generate divergent opinions, Sam Hou Fai considered it essential to deepen the public consultation. The official called on the population to actively participate in the discussion, stating that the contributions will serve as an important reference for improving the planning of the network.
When questioned about the quality of affordable housing in Zone A of the New Reclamation Areas, the Chief Executive noted that, since 2023, the warranty period for new social housing developments has been set at three years, while the warranty related to waterproofing remains at five years.
According to Sam Hou Fai, whenever problems arise from construction defects and occur within the warranty period, contractors are required to carry out repairs free of charge, as stipulated in the contracts.
Regarding complaints about exposed steel nails in the units, the authorities confirmed that this was a situation prior to the occupancy of the homes. The materials were tools used in repair work and have been removed, with the walls subsequently corrected.
