The Government would study all opinions to consolidate consensus on development of the new urban reclamation areas and to meet the best interest of society.

The Land, Public Works, and Transport Bureau, which is responsible for the co-ordination of planning the five reclaimed lands, said they had given full consideration to the community needs when drawing the blueprint of Zone A and had reserved adequate space for facilities such as healthcare, education and recreation.

Speaking at the second consultation session on 18 July, official of the Bureau said the planning Zone A would be considered together with other infrastructures, such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Outer Harbour, to better co-ordinate transport and community facilities in the eastern area.

The Bureau had so far received more than 340 contributions. In last Saturday’s session, participants raised concerns on the accommodation of transport and facilities in Zone A, height of buildings and visual landscape in Zone B, the forth channel that connects Macao peninsula and Taipan island, and a more convenient and environmental-friendly transport network.

The Government re-iterated that acting in line with the laws to conserve cultural heritage was a common goal in the society; the planning of Zone B would be determined only after listening to experts, the public opinion, and proposals comprised by public works and cultural affairs departments.

For the fourth channels, the Government had commissioned a research group to study whether an underwater tunnel or a bridge across the two islands would better fulfil the needs of development.

Before 8 August, people may contribute their opinion to the Bureau through email (abcde@dsspot.gov.mo) or fax (2834 0019), or take part in the third consultation session on 1 August at the commercial centre of Tap Seac.