Mosque site chosen after thorough search

A spokesman for the Planning and Lands Bureau said today (November 27) that the choice of site for a proposed mosque project by the United Muslim Association of Hong Kong(UMAH) was the result of a thorough site search in accordance with the application for the construction of a mosque and other community facilities.

 

In response to a petition by a group of representatives of Tsui Lai Garden residents against the choice of site, the spokesman said that the site in Area 6B Sheung Shui was considered suitable for the proposed project which would include the provision of a mosque, a residential care home for the elderly, an international primary school, a clinic and an Islamic centre.

 

The UMAH, which is a recognised charitable organisation, applied for a site in the New Territories in early 1997. The mosque project was given policy support by the Secretary for Home Affairs in the same year.

 

"Relevant factors have been taken into account in identifying the site including the applicant's land use requirements such as the proposed facilities of the project and the constraints of other sites," the spokesman stressed.

 

He added that the Government processed the land grant application in accordance with established procedures.

 

"In this process, relevant departments/bureaux are consulted and their views, including local consultations, will be taken into account.

 

"The Government will make a decision on the land grant in due course after considering all relevant factors, including the views of local residents," the spokesman added.

 

End/Tuesday, November 27, 2001

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