The Government launched the Stage 2 Public Engagement on Enhancing Land Supply Strategy today, seeking views on five potential near-shore reclamation sites, building artificial islands, and three schemes for rock cavern development.
From November 2011 to March 2012, the Development Bureau, the Civil Engineering & Development Department and the Planning Department conducted the Stage 1 Public Engagement on Enhancing Land Supply Strategy: Reclamation Outside Victoria Harbour & Rock Cavern Development. More than 40,000 submissions were received.
Speaking at a press conference today, Secretary for Development Paul Chan said based on the public views collected, the Government has established the site selection criteria and identified potential near-shore reclamation and cavern development sites for public consultation in stage two.
He said five potential near-shore reclamation sites were announced in the Policy Address that could provide 600 hectares of land. They are Lung Kwu Tan in Tuen Mun, Siu Ho Wan and Sunny Bay on Lantau Island, Ma Liu Shui in Sha Tin, and southwest Tsing Yi.
The Government will also explore the feasibility of building artificial islands. The total area of the five sites and artificial islands will be about 2,000 to 3,000 hectares.
On rock cavern development, the Government proposes relocating Diamond Hill Fresh Water & Salt Water Service Reservoirs, Sai Kung Sewage Treatment Works, and Sham Tseng Sewage Treatment Works to caverns to release six hectares of urban land.
Mr Chan said reclamation is suitable for building up a land reserve because it will not affect existing land use and allows for comprehensive planning to build a balanced and sustainable community.
Reclamation areas can be used as decanting sites for rehousing residents and facilities affected by other developments. Reclamation is also a more environmentally-friendly method for disposing waste, Mr Chan added. ( [ Ссылка ] )
