Macao’s long-delayed new prison at Ka Ho in Coloane should come into service in 2024, Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak has told the Legislative Assembly.
The prison has been designed to hold 2,700 inmates and is reported to cost more than MOP 2 billion. Macao’s existing prison, in Coloane village, is full to capacity.
Construction has dragged on for almost a dozen years, having started in 2010 when it was expected to be finished by 2014. Delays have been blamed on poor quality construction materials, unstable soil structure at the site, typhoons and Covid-19.
Two phases had been completed by 2016, and Wong said the third phase – an administrative building, an inspection building, training facilities and staff quarters – will be finished next year, after which the prison’s IT security system will be installed as well as outdoor auxiliary facilities.
