Ma Nam Wat, Pak Sha Wan Peninsula
Proposed Road Could Set a Precedent
CANCELLED see update
A proposed “van track and foot path” (aka single lane road) to be built through a Country Park and an area deemed a “Site of Special Scientific Interest” (SSSI) could set a precedent for other potential access roads within otherwise protected areas.
The road is proposed for Pak Sha Wan Peninsula between Ma Nam Wat Village (opposite Trio Beach) through Ma On Shan Country Park to Sai Kung (Hong Fu Road – east of the Sai Kung Outdoor Recreation Centre and south of Tui Min Hoi). Click here for Public Notice and Map of Area.
Deemed an SSSI in 1979, the HKSAR Planning Department in one of its publications states that “Pak Sha Wan Peninsula provides excellent educational opportunities to the public. It serves as an 'open-air laboratory..."
In 1999, W H C Wan (who happens to be the Village Representative for Ma Nam Wat) suggested during public consultations for the South East New Territories (SENT) Development Strategy Review that the Planning Department "allow development e.g. the portion of MOS Country Park at Ma Nam Wat near Hebe Haven...[where]...except the Lions Nature Education Centre, most of the area is barely visited". In response, the department stated that "opening up of the peripheral area of the country park and SSSI for residential and commercial development is not supported from country park and conservation points of views." [For complete recommendation and response see Section 5.2.9 SENT Stage 2 Report]
Whether you agree with Mr. Wan or believe that the ecology of the area should be preserved - voice your opinions BEFORE 10 MARCH 2006. Send a letter or fax to the following:
District Lands Office
3/F Sai Kung Government Offices
34 Chan Man Street, Sai Kung
Attention: Ms. Kitty Lai
Fax: 2792 0706
Ref Case: SLA/SK121/10/154
Construction of Van Track and Foot Path Leading From Hong Fu Road to Man Nam Wat