After much political controversy and nature’s harsh hand, the remaining shipyards in Coloane village finally seem to be getting what they deserve, a new life.
Efforts of conservation have been intermittent. Previously considered to be a threat to public safety, two shipyards were dismantled by the Macau SAR Government in early March.
As popular protests arose, the government walked back on its decision to completely destroy the site – not without a loss to some real estate tycoon, very likely.
In spite of late conservation efforts after an announcement by the Secretary of Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tem, that the government had finally committed to safeguard the site and surrounding area – the Lai Chi Wun village – another shipyard was completely destroyed during the passage of Typhoon Hato in late August.
The Cultural Affairs Bureau had, nevertheless, already commenced the work of reinforcing and protecting the structures before the typhoon season. Was it enough or was Hato’s blast too strong for the fragile structures to cope with? We will probably never know at this point.
The good news is that the government made another step last Friday, when it launched an exhibition about the site called ‘Rebirth.’ To make it clear, there are no plans to reactivate the ship building industry. Current affairs and the scope of economic designs no longer allow much space for family-sized enterprises. But the reactivation of memories and the place of the shipyards in the city’s collective history is welcome, precisely because of the latter. Given the pace of change and integration into plans ever more ambitious, there is often little space and time for soul business.
Sustainability and transformation are two elements that integrate the commitment the government is putting forward by holding the exhibition. In addition to paintings and photography works, furniture design pieces and ship models made of wood from the shipyards are also being displayed.
Reusing the wood, which is the backbone of the shipyards, in the fabrication of new items underlies the will to preserve while adapting the site to new uses and functions.
Following the recent announcement of the tourism master plan, such intentions have also become clear, although not defined. There is mention in the plan about revitalizing – or some other generic word that is often used in such contexts – but it is crucial to be quite specific on this, and that people who live on the site be an integral part of the project, together with authorities, and local and international consultants.
Better late than never. But better good than not.
