CCAC to put 16 plots of land under microscope

The Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) issued a press release yesterday, saying that it is launching an investigation into 16 land concessions, according to the Chief Executive’s instruction. After looking into concession contracts in the Official Gazette, Business Daily has reported that some parcels are related to Macau’s major business names, including Stanley Ho’s families as well as various legislators. Chief Executive Chui Sai On said he understands the rising concern of residents about how the government handles ‘idle land’, especially regarding the 16 plots from a list of 48 parcels that the government planned to reclaim but later deemed ‘non-recoverable’, particularly with regard to their locations, size and the reasons behind ‘letting go’. When talking to reporters in Jiangman in Guangdong yesterday Chui Sai On said the purpose of reclaiming idle land is to find space to develop public housing or for public use. He said that the Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT) has undertaken a lot of work with regards to idle land in reclaiming the parcels that were not properly developed or had missing investment plans or unpaid premiums in accordance with the Land Law. Lots of problems The Chief Executive further indicated that the new government has a lot of problems to solve, of which land is one. Chui Sai On added that the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raimundo Rosario, will set up a task force to deal with the practical issues when executing the new Land Law, such as following up on land concessions that are about to expire. Furthermore, Chui said that the Secretary will continue to cooperate and lead his team to introduce and release more information on relevant issues to the Legislative Assembly ‘s Committee on Land and Public Concessions. CCAC said if any violation of law or regulation has been found during the investigation, further actions will be taken in accordance with the law. The investigative body also vows to review the legality and reasonability of the administrative procedures and provide improvement advice if in need. CCAC indicated that when the investigation finishes, the results will be handed to the Chief Executive and released to the public. Regarding the five plots of land opposite Macau International Airport where the high-end residential project La Scalla was to be developed, Chui Sai On said he has received the notification from the court but the other party had 10 days to appeal after the Court of Second Instance’s verdict. He said that the current verdict is not the final verdict yet and that the government could only wait for the legal procedures and follow relevant regulations. When the final verdict arrives, the government will release further information to the media. The Chief Executive reiterated that if the land can be reclaimed it will be prioritised for public use in answer to residents’ request.