During a routine cleaning of the public sewerage network, Public Works Bureau (DSOP) workers recently found a massive accumulation of grease in the sewers stretching from the city centre’s Rua dos Mercadores (營地大街) to the Rua da Madeira (新埗頭街) area, and removed about 1,500 kg of grease over several consecutive days, according to a DSOP statement yesterday.
The bureau underlined that catering operators are mandated by law to timely maintain and inspect their on-site grease traps to ensure they function properly, the statement said.
The statement pointed out that accumulated grease causes blockages in the public drainage network. Beyond affecting public hygiene, it severely reduces the drainage capacity of the sewers during heavy rainstorms. The bureau urged the catering sector to properly fulfil its duty to keep grease filtration facilities in good condition.
Furthermore, the bureau reminded merchants to cooperate with inspectors during grease trap checks. No permanent fixtures or obstructions such as shelves or refrigerators should be placed on top of grease traps.
The statement noted that the government attaches utmost importance to the issue of sewer blockages caused by greasy wastewater from the catering sector. With the July 1 implementation of the latest law regulating restaurant and beverage businesses, penalties for administrative offences such as poor maintenance of drainage facilities, failure to keep equipment in normal operation, or allowing facilities to become filled with filth, grease, or residue have been significantly increased.
The fine has been raised from the previous range of 2,500 to 7,500 patacas to a new range of 10,000 to 30,000 patacas. In severe cases, licensing authorities may even enforce precautionary measures to temporarily close the respective business premises, the statement added.
For enquiries regarding the operation and maintenance of grease traps, please contact the DSOP 24-hour hotline 2866 2266 or email info@dsop.gov.mo.
This undated handout photo provided by the Public Works Bureau (DSOP) yesterday shows its workers removing grease from the sewers stretching from Rua dos Mercadores (營地大街) to Rua da Madeira (新埗頭街) in the city centre.
