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1. Tourism plans will destroy heritage: residents

1. Tourism plans will destroy heritage: residents
QUINTON CHAN , SCMP 1 May 2006

More developments are being planned in Tai O to promote tourism, but some residents and a green group criticised the construction as excessive.

The government is planning to build an entrance plaza near the Lantau fishing village and a new bus terminus nearby.

A new waterfront promenade and a recreational park are also proposed near Tai O Creek, with a large car park next to it. The government would also reserve a site nearby for a private museum to showcase the village's culture and history. A footbridge will be built across the creek.

Wong Wai-king, a member of the Tai O Cultural Workshop, said these structures could further undermine the village's heritage.

"These are all excessive," she said. "There is already a footbridge there and I do not understand why we need another one."

Ng Cho-nam, of the Conservancy Association, said: "Why do we need so many promenades in a fishing village?

"What the government should have done is clear up the rubbish in the water. But such a project is not grand enough for the officials.

"There are apparently not enough public works for construction workers.

"The government is under pressure to build something," he said. The Planning Department said the facilities were needed because of the increase in tourists expected on Lantau after the Tung Chung cable car was launched later this year.

A spokeswoman said it had presented the proposal to the Tai O rural committee and the Island District Council in December and had received their support.

The said residents were now being consulted and the Civil Engineering and Development Department was conducting preparatory work for a feasibility study. The project cost and completion date had not yet been finalised.? I Quinton Chan