Gaming and entertainment facilities are "not part" of Macao's 20-year urbanization scheme, local media reported on Friday.

Macao Post Daily quoted Jaime Carion, director of the Transport and Public Works Bureau, as saying that hotel facilities will only take up "a small part" of the plan.

The scheme, which was presented to the Legislative Assembly in January, involves a land reclamation of 3.98 sq. km from the sea.

The plan will hopefully help promote the quality of life of local residents and to reduce the silting-up of Macao's harbors.

Some 59 percent of the reclaimed land will be spared for green spaces, leisure areas, road networks and social facilities and the remaining 41 percent for residential buildings, commerce and hotels, according to the plan.

Casino gaming, the region's flagship industry, dedicates over 70 percent of the government's yearly tax income.

Jaime Carion told the newspaper that if there is a demand for gaming and entertainment facilities in the development plan, the concerned government agencies will "carefully consider the situation."

Macao, with a population of 480,000 and a land area of 27.5 sq.km, is expected to accommodate 610,000 residents in 2023.

(Xinhua News Agency February 10, 2006)