The Municipal Affairs Bureau’s (IAM) Consultative Committee member Ku Man Tat voiced his concern yesterday over the urgency to revamp several of Macau’s sitting-out areas, particularly in the densely populated northern district.
Addressing a current affairs phone-in programme, Ou Mun Gwong Cheung, hosted by Ou Mun Tin Toi – the Chinese-language radio channel of public broadcaster TDM, Ku deplored the deteriorating conditions of facilities considering the high usage rates among local residents, especially by the elderly and children.
Ku noted that the existing facilities are “outdated” and require significant upgrades. He emphasised the importance of introducing fitness equipment tailored to senior citizens’ needs, ensuring that they are accessible and beneficial for all age groups.
During yesterday’s phone-in programme, Northern District Community Service Consultative Council Committee Deputy Convener Kou Ngon Fong yesterday singled out specific areas that need improvement, such as the Toi San sitting-out area, which he described as too small and lacking adequate facilities compared to larger ones like the Leisure Area in Doca do Lam Mau.
Kou insisted that the community needs more spacious areas for relaxation and exercise, and he also referred to the government’s plans for revamping eight sitting-out areas in the Ilha Verde and Toi San districts including a large square adjacent to Edifício do Bairro da Ilha Verde, where the government intends to introduce unique features that differ from other recreational areas.
Concerns were also raised regarding the management of sitting-out areas. Some callers told the phone-in programme that large gatherings, particularly by non-local residents, can disrupt others’ enjoyment of these spaces.
Ku suggested that the bureau increase patrols in these areas and enhance education outreach to individuals from different nationalities, guiding them on the appropriate use of public spaces. Ku also said that outsourced security personnel ought to be trained to effectively handle any incidents that may arise.
Kou acknowledged that while gatherings by foreign nationals are not illegal, the length and size of these gatherings can sometimes hinder others from using the facilities. He urged the government to engage in dialogue with these groups to promote reasonable usage of the sitting-out areas.
Municipal Affairs Bureau’s (IAM) Consultative Committee member Ku Man Tat (right) and Northern District Community Service Consultative Council Committee Deputy Convener Kou Ngon Fong pose during the current affairs phone-in programme, Ou Mun Gwong Cheung, hosted by Ou Mun Tin Toi – the Chinese-language radio channel of public broadcaster TDM yesterday. – Photo courtesy of TDM
