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Mr. Cen
Chen Chak-pin, president of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, said that nearly half of the institute’s 920 members oppose the government’s large-scale development plan for the Kau Yi Chau artificial island.
“The reasons for opposition are concerns about possible irreversible damage to the environment, especially the marine ecosystem, as well as concerns about the government’s affordability and transport links to the island,” Chen said.
Less than 20% of respondents support the plan, 27% remain neutral and 7% lack understanding of the development plan.
Chen Moobo said yesterday that the institute supports the government in principle to continue research on artificial island construction, but calls on the government to provide more information to address citizens’ concerns.
In particular, he urged the government to publish detailed information on the project’s cost efficiency, including land reclamation costs and expected revenue from land sales.
“We hope the government will disclose the long-term benefits, such as the expected increase in tax revenue and the potential to solve the city’s housing problems.”
Chen said the institute hasn’t received much information about the island’s livability and urban design. Therefore, they plan to hold discussions and provide input to the relevant authorities.
As for his personal opinion, Chen expressed his support for the government to continue studying the possibility of building artificial islands. However, he said it would be difficult for him to decide whether to support the development without the results of the study.
He also said adjustments may be needed based on the findings and suggested the government should abandon the plan if it doesn’t match the findings.
Earlier, Heung Yee Kuk suggested suspending the Kau Yi Chau project and giving priority to the development of the North Metropolitan Area. There is speculation that the government may abandon the Kau Yi Chau plan because Chief Executive Li Ka-chiu did not focus on the Kau Yi Chau plan in his two policy addresses after taking office.
However, the government has repeatedly stated that it has not given up on either of the two large-scale development projects.
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