Romantic lanes, solemn churches, Portuguese-style architecture. They project a mesmerizing image and constitute a glamorous portrait of Macao.

Stepping into the land of St. Lazarus Church District, I can feel a complexion of romance and culture. The holy land stands out not only because of the romantic complexion and sacredness, but also because of its cultural integration. It is not surprising to find a Chinese-style garden standing next to blocks of ancient European architectures. This distinctive cultural integration becomes an attraction in Macao. Local Macao citizens are fond of this holy land.

Recently, the Macao government has approved the proposal of setting up a drug rehabilitation center in the St. Lazarus Church District. Despite the romantic and cultural significance of the St. Lazarus Church District and the opposition of a majority of residents, the Social Welfare Bureau will open the temporary Drug Rehabilitation Center in Rua de Sanches de Miranda by the end of February.

This issue raises great social concern and attention. "It definitely affects my safety. The center will gather the drug addicts in this district," Sue Tang, a resident from the district claimed.

Chou Hoi Chu, Chairman of Macao Heritage Ambassadors Association expressed that the Macao SAR Government should consider the development orientation of each region before approving any proposals for drug treatment services.

Chou also suggested that the Macao government to make good use of the land resources in the St. Lazarus Church District. For the use of land and buildings, the government should consider the development orientation of the region.

"The St. Lazarus Church District features a number of buildings with Portuguese style. In recent years, it has attracted many tourists and local citizens to shoot wedding photos there, if the drug addicts gather in the district, tourists' image of the district will be affected. Tourists will be driven away by the bad image. Also, the shops and businesses there will also be affected," Susan So, a year 2 student from the Macao Polytechnic Institute who lives in the St. Lazarus Church District, said.

Wong Si Kuan, Chairman of the Chinese and Western Cultural Creativity Industry Promoting Association (Macao) said that residents contacted by them overwhelmingly opposed the setting up of the Drug Rehabilitation Center. He hoped that the government could set up the center in another district. He said that the orientation for the development of the Lazarus District was just laid out, government departments should cooperate in carrying out the Policy Address which plans to promote and develop cultural and creative industries in that district.

According to this plan, gradually, there will be art and cultural groups stationed in the district which can enhance its cultural distinctiveness. The previous government has already put forward the proposals to promote cultural and creative industries in the St. Lazarus Church District. The current Chief Executive Chui Sai On has continued the previous government policy to vigorously promote cultural and creative industries.

The drug rehabilitation center is engaged to provide drug abusers with a long term Methadone treatment and counseling services.