Land is a precious public resource in Macau. The way it is planned and used plays a decisive role in the sustainable development of society. By agreeing with the dual-use model adopted by the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region – “planned use + temporary use” – it is recommended that the implementation of the land use as stipulated in the respective plans be accelerated to increase the efficiency of its utilization. For lands that still do not meet the conditions for development or temporary use, simple leveling should be carried out first to reduce administrative costs that may arise later.
Taking as an example the 39 lots to be developed by the Government in this phase: 9 correspond to temporary plots launched last year, of which 3 are already in operation and 6 are in the design or construction phase. As for the 30 new plots to be used, according to the information released, since the areas vary, some require cleaning or clearance operations with different deadlines, there is not yet a clear calendar for their use.
In the past, several residents reported that state-owned lands, which remain unused for long periods and lack proper management, have become overgrown with weeds, accumulate trash, and experience proliferation of mosquitoes and rodents, affecting the hygiene and safety of nearby residents. Beyond representing risks to public health and the community environment, they also generate public expenses for clearing, cleaning, and pest control.
Therefore, it is suggested that the Government, through interdepartmental cooperation, actively promote the requalification and optimization of existing land: those that meet the conditions can be temporarily used as leisure and sports spaces, parks, parking lots, or sports facilities; those that do not have the conditions for temporary use should be managed more strictly, avoiding environmental and health problems that harm the community.
The needs of residents vary from zone to zone. It is believed that part of these needs can be addressed as long as it is for public purposes. However, to evaluate whether the solution is the most appropriate in the long term, a scientific analysis based on data must be conducted, such as the size of the local population, future development orientation, and community facility needs.
It is recommended that the Government integrate these data with the Macau Outline Plan and residents’ claims, proceeding with a comprehensive assessment. While widely collecting opinions from society, quantitative evidence should be used to choose the option most favorable for long-term development, improving residents’ living environment and activity spaces, and increasing the efficiency of land use.
