HONG KONG: A government plan to revitalize Tai O has come under criticism from a community group for placing the ecology of the outlying island in jeopardy.

The Development Bureau last week proposed setting up a salt-panning demonstration area in Tai O, but the Association for Tai O Environment and Development said the project will harm the mangroves nearby.

"I don't know what its purpose is, but the construction will affect the eco system: the increase in the amount of salt in the nearby water will cause harm to the mangrove area and endanger different species of birds and fish in the mangrove area," Ho Pui-han, an executive committee of the group, said.

Authorities also suggested using Tin Lee House in Lung Tin Estate as a youth hostel to promote eco-tours.

"The population of Tai O has already been shrinking drastically. I don't understand why the government still plans to kick people out, which will definitely do no good to the long-term development of Tai O," said another committee member Wong Wai-king.

The group also blasted the government for building a moorage for fishing boats several years ago.

"Apparently this is for boosting the fishing industry of Tai O. But frankly speaking, this is a declining industry," said Eddie Tse Sai-kit, a committee member of the group.

"Not only is it useless, it also blocks the view of the fascinating scenery of the coastal area. Construction of the moorage also contaminated the fish habitat in that area," he added.

Wong urged the government to put more effort into solving existing problems faced by Tai O residents, such as improving drainage, cleanliness, transportation and recreation facilities, instead of pointlessly adding facilities in the area.

"We don't mind the government spending money for improvement of Tai O. But Tai O isn't really in lack of tourists: Tai O is (one of) the hottest sites for field trips. There are also lots of tourist attractions," she said.

At a meeting of the Legislative Council's panel on development yesterday, Secretary for development Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor rejected suggestions the proposed works would turn the village into a concrete jungle, but will make it a better place for residents and tourists to enjoy.

Chow Man-tat, the deputy project manager of the Civil Engineering and Development Department, said a consultant is undertaking an ecology study of Tai O to evaluate the impact of construction on the environment.

He also said a consultant commissioned by the Drainage Services Department is studying ways to deal with drainage problems on Tai O.

(HK Edition 07/29/2009 page1)