If it seems that roadworks in Macao are more bothersome than usual, you’re not imagining it.
Lawmaker Ella Lei has cited official data indicating that government departments and utilities companies have submitted 69 construction proposals to date this year, an increase of 15 percent year over year. But of those, 39 are large-scale projects on main roads, expected to last for periods longer than 30 days – a whopping 39 percent increase compared with last year.
Lei is seeking to draw official attention to the inconvenience to traffic, businesses and residents, and has questioned the necessity of so many projects, the Macau Daily Times reports.
In response, the government has promised to improve coordination among departments and contractors, with the aim of reducing repeated excavations and disruptions.
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Officials said that the Roadwork Coordination Taskforce had refined its approval procedures and oversight. “A comprehensive review is underway, especially for large-scale road projects, intending to continually enhance coordination,” a statement from the Municipal Affairs Bureau (known by its Portuguese initials IAM) read.
According to the Times, IAM has emphasised its regular communication with relevant stakeholders to prevent redundant roadworks and improve resource allocation, adding that work hours may be extended in key areas to speed up completion and reduce disruptions.
Authorities are also enforcing stricter monitoring of third-party projects involving trenching and utility installation, ensuring deadlines are met to limit road closures, the paper reports.
Lei, meanwhile, urged the government to provide earlier public notifications on detours, and actively seek feedback to minimise roadworks’ impact on daily life and commerce.
