A number of Northern District Social Services Consultative Committee members voiced concerns over post-rainstorm hazards before a regular meeting of the committee at the Government Service Centre in Areia Preta yesterday.
Northern District Social Services Consultative Committee member Chang Kam Pui said before the regular meeting yesterday that the weather station predicts five to eight typhoon this summer, noting that in June there were three Red Rainstorm Warning Signals and two Black Rainstorm Warning Signals. He underlined that there were different levels of flooding and his team has noticed some post-rainstorm hazards.
Chang said that when his team visited shops around Iao Hon and Rua da Casa Forte, they found a lot of water leakage problems due to old buildings or drains being blocked. He pointed out that residents living in the areas suffered from others’ irresponsibility. He urged the government to fine people that ignore drain blockage problems or undermaintained buildings in order to ease the flooding situation in the areas.
Northern District Social Services Consultative Committee member Hong Wai Tong said that the recent rainstorms had created a lot of hazards for pupils or employees that were on their way to school and work. Hong urged the observatory to alert residents about its rainstorm warning before the pupils start to head to school, in order to ease traffic and avoid pupils walking outdoors in such hazardous weather.
Northern District Social Services Consultative Committee member Hoi Long Tong concurs with Hong’s suggestion and added that that the weather station should avoid switching from the Yellow to Red Rainstorm Warning Signal during peak hours – when pupils and employees are heading to school or work. Hong also said that schools should be prepared for extreme weather and be ready to have online classes for pupils who will be graduating this year.
Meanwhile, Northern District Social Services Consultative Committee members Lei Rong Man and Lo Weng Sam expressed concern over alien species of animals being found in Macau that are harming the local ecosystem. They suggested that the Macau Customs Service strictly monitor the borders to avoid smugglers bringing in alien species. They also urged the government to promote and educate residents about not releasing captive animals into the city.
Northern District Community Service Consultative Council members attend a regular meeting at the Government Services Centre in Areia Preta yesterday. Photo courtesy of TDM
