The Macau SAR Executive Council has introduced today (Friday) complementary licensing procedures for civil construction works set to streamline licensing application procedures and reinforce work security oversight.
The new administrative regulations, among other things, introduce a pre-communication procedure in order to initiate simple modification, conservation and repair works, authorisation can be provided through simple communication and examination of documents, without the need for a work permit.
With regard to other modification, conservation and repair works, the issuance of a prior license will be permitted before the approval of the work project, for a period of execution not exceeding 120 days, in order to allow the start of the work.
In addition, works that require a work permit must be communicated to the Land and Urban Construction Bureau (DSSCU) five days in advance, without the need to submit a new request for the start of the work.
Other changes include the reinforcement of inspection and respective monitoring work during the execution of construction work, in particular, works reports must be submitted every two months and must contain a copy of the work book, monitoring status of neighbouring buildings, results of tests of the work carried out and topographical elements.
In addition, an inspection mechanism is implemented for large-scale works, the coverage of steel reinforcement, water supply networks or drainage of rainwater and wastewater or pipes is not allowed without authorization from the technician responsible for the supervision of the work.
A detailed definition of the inspection procedures to be adopted after completion of construction projects, as well as the documents and elements that must accompany the inspection request, was also included.
The composition of the inspection committee was also clearly defined, with the Fire Department being responsible for the inspection of fire safety conditions.
The entity responsible for the execution of the work is also obliged to clean the construction site area and repair any damage or deterioration it may have caused to public infrastructure.
The new regulations follow a restructuring of the former Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau in April of this year into the Land and Urban Construction Burea, with the former Infrastructure Development Office (GDI) changed into the Public Works Bureau (DSOP).
Under the restructuring, the functions related to “electrical and mechanical installations” were added, whereas the functions related to “public buildings” and “infrastructures” within the scope of public works were transferred to the departments responsible for public construction.
