The Government will continue to maintain dialogue with the Society for Protection of Harbour and other parties concerned with a view to bringing a satisfactory conclusion to the disputes regarding harbour reclamation, the Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands, Mr Michael Suen said today (November 21).
Addressing the annual dinner jointly organised by the HK Institution of Engineers and the Institution of Structural Engineers, Mr Suen said apart from the Central-Wanchai reclamation and the one in Southeast Kowloon, there would be no more reclamation in the Harbour.
He noted that the Legco Planning, Lands and Works as well as Environmental Affairs Panel would hold a public hearing on November 27 to hear public views on the Central reclamation.
"We sincerely hope that a public consensus can be reached early and peacefully on how to strike a balance between the transportation needs and our aspirations to protect and preserve the harbour," Mr Suen said.
"In order to further allay the concerns of the public, we will ensure that our policy is reflected in the town plans that have a bearing on the harbour to ensure that there will be no more encroachment on the harbour areas," he said.
"Our planning objective is to ensure that the Victoria Harbour will be protected and enhanced for people to enjoy," Mr Suen stressed.
Ends/Friday, November 21, 2003
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