Marine and Water Bureau (DSAMA) Director Susanna Wong Soi Man said on Thursday that the city’s tap water supply would be fully restored in one or two days.
A Macao Water spokesperson told The Macau Post Daily that the utility’s water treatment equipment damaged by Typhoon Hato was still being repaired.
Wong said if the [repair] and treatment process went smoothly, the tap water supply would be restored right away.
Many households, offices and shops were still without electricity and tap water last night, following Typhoon Hato’s onslaught on Wednesday.
Wong made the remarks after a press conference held by the government about the typhoon response disaster.
Many residents have complained about the government’s insufficient warning about the approaching typhoon and the authorities’ inefficient response to the catastrophe.
Wong said that according to a “conservative” estimate, the restoration of the water supply to the whole city – including Taipa, Cotai and Coloane – could be achieved in one or two days, i.e. Friday and Saturday.
Almost all of Macau’s tap water is imported from the mainland.
A spokesperson for Macao Water told The Macau Post Daily that 60 percent of the water supply in the city had already been restored, adding that Macao Water staff members were putting a great deal of effort into repairing the equipment.
A total of eight temporary water supply points have been set up for residents, according to a statement by Macao Water.
The statement also said two temporary water supply vehicles would provide water to residents in circular routes in various locations.
According to a CEM statement, 20,000 households were still without electricity. It also said CEM had restored power to over 90 percent of its customers at midnight. The power utility has about 250,000 customers.
Meanwhile, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) said that of the city’s 64 three- to five-star hotels, 36 had already got their power and water supply back.
The Lands, Public Works and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT) announced that 30 building were severely damaged by Typhoon Hato, requiring immediate remedial action.
