The Macau Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) hosted yesterday its regular residents’ forum at the Seac Pai Van Community Complex (石排灣社區綜合大樓) in Coloane, which focused, among other things, on the possible revamp of Coloane Market.
According to Ho Man Him, chief of the IAM Municipal Construction Department, the bureau plans to carry out a revitalisation project on Coloane Market, which would involve redefining its purpose and redesigning its layout.
The central pavilion structure and pitched roof of the existing complex will be preserved, while the side buildings may be modified, demolished, reconstructed, reinforced, or renovated as needed, Ho said.
Ho also said that the project also includes assessing and reshaping the former wet market’s various spaces to create a mixed-use model that would integrate conservation and catering, cultural and creative industries or retail outlets, as well as leisure activities.
Ho also provided an update on several municipal projects in Taipa and Coloane. The newly constructed aviary and butterfly pavilion at Seac Pai Van Park were completed last year, while the park’s amphibian and reptile conservatory is expected to open to the public in the first quarter of this year.
Ho said that the conservatory covers around 1,080 square metres and features six themed exhibition rooms. Through science popularisation displays and educational activities, it aims to enhance public awareness of natural ecological conservation, Ho said.
Regarding Seac Pai Van community facilities, Ho noted that the fourth phase of public infrastructure improvements in the residential neighbourhoods around Seac Pai Van are expected to be completed by March. Ho also said that the construction of a cycling path connecting Seac Pai Van to Coloane’s residential area is also underway.
According to Ho, the bureau is simultaneously advancing hillside reinforcements, pedestrian walkway enhancements, and several sewerage projects. Efforts are ongoing to install additional rubbish compactors and carry out greening initiatives across Macau to further improve the community environment.
During the residents’ question-and-answer session, several residents and association representatives gave their views on ongoing developments in the Seac Pai Van area. One representative explicitly opposed the proposed underground option for the Seac Pai Van light rail section, recommending instead a more economical and practical approach to optimise the route.
Public facilities also drew considerable attention, with suggestions including the addition of a kick scooter zone in the park, repairs to sunken wooden planks on footbridges, and the replacement of slippery manhole covers.
A resident expressed hope for a higher turnover of the market stalls in Taipa Market and an increase in the issuance of itinerant vendor licences.
Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) Vice President Mak Kim Meng (third from right), IAM Municipal Construction Department Chief Ho Man Him (left) and other IAM administrative committee members look on during yesterday’s community forum at the Seac Pai Van Community Complex in Coloane. – Photo: Armindo Neves
