Sinking again

There is renewed talk about the future of the old Lai Chi Vun shipyards in Coloane. They are one of the remaining symbols of a bygone era. Then, Macau had a place in the business of building junks. As the orders dwindled, the activity came to a halt at the beginning of the century, when the last operating shipyard ceased activity. Since then, the place has been mostly abandoned, leaving aside the occasional visitor in search of a picture in a very unusual and evocative photographic setting.
Inevitably, as the economic activities stopped, the premises started deteriorating. And, as the business was unlikely ever to recover, the need to consider their preservation and future use soon became evident. They represent a unique and irreplaceable element of the history of this city. The assumption should always be on the side of preservation. Firstly, as a testimony to the unique nature and history of this place; secondly, as a tool for both the education of younger generations and the promotion of culturally oriented tourism (the diversification thing).
It is, therefore, reassuring to read a posting on this topic by the government’s own press office. The public authorities recognise the unique value of the shipyards, as one of the ‘rare places where it is still possible to visualize the old art of construction of big junks,’ providing ‘a rare comprehensive illustration [of the activity] in the Pearl River Delta region.’
Further, the authorities are looking for ways to ‘revitalize the legacy left by the industry,’ namely ‘preserving the premises,’ the ‘general environmental setting and characteristics’ of the old industrial area, and the ‘local customs and atmosphere,’ with a view also to ‘promote cultural tourism.’ Immediate measures to protect the area – namely, the ‘traditional urban structure’ and the shipyards – should be carried out while the services set up broader ‘implementation plans.’
Oops! Sorry, dear readers, sorry! That was December 2012! Fast forward, to February 2017.
The premises are in terrible condition! In spite of repeated requests by the authorities, the holders of the shipyard licences ‘failed to abide by their maintenance responsibilities.’ The government will start the demolition of the shipyards shortly in order to ‘guarantee the safety of citizens and tourists.’
What to say? Another heritage offence is in the making. Is it just negligence? Callousness? Something else? Will someone take responsibility for it? Is there a bit of shame being felt somewhere, by somebody?
So many questions!