Framework missing for reclaimed land

Lawmaker Kwan Tsui Hang wants to know what are the guidelines for the use of the new spaces that will be available in the claimed land

Lawmaker Kwan Tsui Hang welcomes the new land reclamation project, but the lack of legal framework for future developments worries her. In a written letter to the Government, Kwan says that with the revision of the Land Law still in progress and without a proper Urban Planning Law there are no accurate guidelines for future expansion.
Two weeks ago, the Government started phase one of the public consultation on the new land reclamation project, which was approved last year by the People’s Republic of China State Council. The plan includes five areas of claimed land, with a total of 3.5 square kilometres, situated in the Macau peninsula’s northeast, south of Avenida Sun Yat Sen (NAPE) and North of Taipa island.
Phase one of the public consultation started on June 18 and residents have until August 8 to access the plan and express their opinion. During that period, a working group will conduct several activities and seminars. After August 8, the Government will conduct two other public consultations phases, which it expects to complete next year.
However, Kwan points out, “the lack of legal basis to conduct the collection of public views and opinions might undermine the efforts of the public consultation.”
“What are the guidelines and standards for the use of the new spaces that will be available in the claimed land?” she asked.
In the letter, Kwan urges the Government to speed up the Urban Planning legislation so that the land reclamation project “has a solid legal basis.”
“By doing that and by promoting those guidelines, [the Government] will reduce unnecessary future disputes,” the lawmaker wrote.
On the other hand, she added, “The community remains concerned about the problems which have arisen because of the delay in the revision of the Land Law and expect the process to be completed to fill existing gaps and deficiencies.”
To ensure that the use of the new land is clear, transparent and fair, it would be wise for authorities not to grant any new land before the amendments of the Land Law have been completed, Kwan wrote in the letter, asking how the authorities will develop the new land.
All land reclamation projects will be ready in five years time, according to the Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau. From the five areas, only the one at the northeast of the Macau peninsula is set to be ready by 2016, because it will be the link between Macau and the artificial island of the Zhuhai-Macau-Hong Kong Bridge. However, the final plan will only be announced next year.
The Government has said that no gaming developments will take place on the new land. Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Lau Si Io, also said that at least 50 percent of the claimed land will be used for green space, public buildings and community facilities, but a part will be saved for social housing and development of business sectors promoting economic diversification, as well as the city as an international tourism and leisure hub.