In October 2009, the construction of the LRT was announced by the Macau SAR Government with the goal of the LRT being operational by 2013. Several changes were made to the plan, including reducing the number of stations to 21 and building part of the LRT running along Nam Van Lake underground or at the surface level. However, due to the constant changes to the path of the LRT, as well as appeal from one of the tender companies, the start date for construction was delayed for multiple times, and substantial work on the LRT did not commence until 2 February 2012.