SDEV speaks to media at Kwu Tung North (with photos)

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Development, Mr Paul Chan, at a media session during his visit to Kwu Tung North today (November 17):

Reporter: ... After listening to the demonstrators' views, will there be any change on the government's decision?

Secretary for Development: The purpose of this visit is to get in touch with those affected and take a hard look at the circumstances and surroundings. We have received many suggestions. As I said before, we have to consolidate all these suggestions and then reflect further on what can be done to help them more. As you know the NENT NDAs (North East New Territories New Development Areas) are going to provide over 60 000 residential units and over 37 000 employment opportunities. The area that we visited this morning happens to be around the area of the future railway station. From a planning standpoint, it is only natural that this vicinity should be developed into high-density development, be it for residential, commercial or social service facilities. We will take a careful consideration of the views suggested. But our hands, to a certain extent, are constrained.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)


Ends/Sunday, November 17, 2013
Issued at HKT 22:09

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The Secretary for Development, Mr Paul Chan (second left), visited Kwu Tung North today (November 17) and listened to the views of the village representatives on the North East New Territories New Development Areas Project. Mr Chan (centre) listens to the views of Kwu Tung villagers. Mr Chan (second left) explains the project to the villagers.

Mr Chan (second right) meets with the farmers in Kwu Tung and listens to their views on developing the area. Mr Chan (second left) visits a sawmill in Ma Tso Lung. Mr Chan (first right) learns about the daily operation of the sawmill.

Mr Chan (second right) pays a visit to the owner of a store in Tung Fong Area and listens to his view on Kwu Tung development. Mr Chan (second left) tours a soy sauce factory in Shek Tsai Leng to learn about its daily operation. Mr Chan (second left) visits Dills Corner Garden (residential care homes for the elderly) in Shek Tsai Leng and receives a letter from the residents on their views about the removal.

Mr Chan (second left) listens to a resident of Dills Corner Garden about her concerns over the removal. Mr Chan (second right) visits the facilities of Dills Corner Garden. Children from Kwu Tung North give a picture to Mr Chan (first left).

Kwu Tung North villagers express their views to Mr Chan (centre, front row). Mr Chan (third right, front row) pays a visit to the farmers in the Long Valley wetland. Mr Chan (third right) pays a visit to the farmers in the Long Valley wetland.

A farmer explains to Mr Chan (second left) a solar powered device. A farmer explains to Mr Chan (second left) the features of organic farming. Representatives of Yin Kong Village express their views to Mr Chan (fourth left).

Mr Chan (third left) listens to the views of the representatives of a mutual aid association in Kwu Tung.


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