26th May 2014
Professor Anthony Cheung
Secretary for Transport and Housing
Transport and Housing Bureau
By Fax: 2523 9187
Mr Chung Kum Wah, Daniel
Director of Civil Engineering and Development Department
Civil Engineering and Development Department
By Fax: 2714 0140
Dear Sir/Madam
Objection to Improvement Works at Tai O – Phase 2, Stage 1 Construction of a Public Transport Terminus, Public Car Parks and An Entrance Plaza at the Western End of Tai O Road, Tai O, Lantau Island (PWP Item No. 7417RO-1A)
The Conservancy Association (CA) is writing to object the captioned project.
Entrance Plaza
CA together with green groups and other concern groups had a meeting with CEDD on 19th May 2015. It was noted that the proposed entrance plaza would serve both local and visitors’ needs, but CA opined that such construction project still lacked justification.
What local need means is to create another public gathering ground for locals, but the fact is that under the Tai O anchorage construction project, public space with greening, bench and pavilion have already been provided, and even additional space for another public square can be feasible through careful design. For visitors, they usually visit various scenic spot in village area rather than staying in areas near the existing bus terminus and carpark. Similar to the locals, the visitors can use existing open space and facilities to take a rest in Tai O. Thus, we do not agree that provision of additional resting place and open space would be a strong justification to build an entrance plaza in Tai O.
We are in extreme worries, according to the meeting, that space in entrance plaza would be reserved for a landmark representing Tai O. Tai O, as a traditional fishing village with unique cultural and landscape features, is already a landmark to visitors. Another artificial landmark is a waste of money and unnecessary to tourist attraction.
Public Transport Terminus and Parking Facilities
We agree that traffic management in Tai O can be further improved, but in case the proposed entrance plaza is cancelled, it would already provide ample space for re-arranging various transport facilities.
For the proposed bus terminus which is increased in size compared with the existing one, we should highlight that it might not be necessarily imply an improvement in current traffic condition, especially long queuing time in bus terminus. Unless the service of bus company is evaluated by re-arranging frequency of bus, a bigger bus terminus with more parking space for buses may prove worthless.
Public Engagement
We are not satisfied with limited public engagement exercises after the feasibility study on the improvement works at Tai O. Until now, the final report of the study is still missing in the website and the public cannot get comprehensive information of Tai O revitalization project. Besides, similar to other green groups and concern parties, we are alerted of the project has underwent Phase 2 after the captioned project is gazetted. This is impossible for the Administration to obtain more comments from different stakeholders. As the revitalization project would enter another phases and stages, we urge for more engagement exercises which should not be confined to particular parties such as District Council and Rural Committee.
Yours faithfully
Ng Hei Man
Assistant Campaign Manager
Cc
Development Bureau
Association for Tai O Environment and Development
Designing Hong Kong
Hong Kong Bird Watching Society
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden
Tai O Sustainable Development Education Workshop
WWF – Hong Kong
