MSAR Government in sand dance with Guangdong

By
Joanne Kuai

The new Land Law has been in effect for two years now and, according to the law, the base number for the calculation of land premiums is up for review every two years.
Chief Executive Chui Sai On said yesterday morning that he understands the public’s concern regarding whether land premiums would be adjusted, as poor performance has been observed in the real estate market lately, and drops have been seen in transaction numbers.
The Chief Executive also claimed that the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raimundo Arrais do Rosário, is reviewing the issue. Chui said he believes “such an issue is being studied from a comprehensive perspective that would safeguard the big picture” and that relevant news would be released in due time.
The Chief Executive reiterated that despite some incidents occurring during the enforcement of the Land Law, the Urban Planning Law and the Cultural Heritage Protection Law, the authorities would carry on processing any matter in strict accordance with the laws.
Sand shortage
The Chief Executive also revealed that the SAR Government is in constant contact with the Guangdong Provincial Communist Party Committee with regard to the supply of sand for the SAR’s Zone A reclamation.
The sand supply for Macau’s new landfills was interrupted in February last year, resulting in the project missing its deadline for the end of last year. Despite the restoration of supply in January of this year it has been reported and confirmed by Secretary Raimundo do Rosário that construction had once again stopped at the end of February due to a sand supply shortage.
Mr. Chui confirmed that such a suspension of sand supply happened, with the cause identified as the construction of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. He said that they understand the importance, urgency and complexity of the techniques involved in the project.
Macau landfill construction depends primarily upon sand supplied by Guangdong Province, with a shortage of these resources arising due to many major maritime projects being undertaken by the SARs and the surrounding cities which also need sand. With priority given to the super bridge, the Zone A landfill continues to be delayed.
Mr. Chui added that the MSAR government is in talks with its counterparts in the neighbouring region in search of a resolution restoring the supply of sand as soon as possible. Possibilities include sourcing sand from locations further afield.