In an effort to optimise Macau’s urban appearance, the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) announced in a statement yesterday that its “Urban Beautification and Sanitation Working Group” conducted clean-up operations this month to remove overhead cables across streets around Tamagnini Barbosa Market (台山街市), Largo do Senado in the city centre, and Rua da Sé (大堂街).
The operation proceeded smoothly thanks to interdepartmental collaboration and residents’ cooperation, the statement said.
In addition to detracting from the cityscape, overhead cables pose safety risks such as electric shocks and falling hazards. Following the completion of a pilot cable clearance project in Rua do Comandante Mata e Oliveira (馬統領圍) in late June, several entities – including the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM), Fire Services Bureau (CB), Lands and Urban Construction Bureau (DSSCU), Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA), Transport Bureau (DSAT), Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau (CTT), CEM, and TDM – reviewed their pilot experience and established a joint cross-departmental mechanism to classify cables into categories such as power supply, telecommunications, and broadcast transmission for targeted handling, the statement said.
Prior to the operations, the working group notified local merchants and residents through neighbourhood associations, widely publicised the upcoming work via direct mail and building notices, and set up a consultation hotline, 2833 7676, for public enquiries or emergency reporting, minimising the impact on residents and business operations, according to the statement.
During this phase, the statement pointed out, the working group inspected 14 sets of overhead cables around Tamagnini Barbosa Market, successfully removing eight sets. The remaining six sets –involving temporary streetlight power supplies, ongoing construction, and underground cable projects – will be removed in subsequent stages in coordination with relevant entities.
Around Largo do Senado and Rua da Sé, 24 sets of cables were inspected, with 12 sets removed so far, the statement said, adding that priority was given to clearing unused cables, while the remaining cables involving temporary power supply and public lighting will be handled in due course.
This undated handout photo provided by the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) yesterday shows its “Urban Beautification and Sanitation Working Group” removing overhead cables in Rua da Sé, assisted by the Fire Services Bureau (CB).
