An industrial hoist and the waterfront weekend market are being moved, and a contractor cleaned up a mess, thanks to the efforts of local Sai Kung residents.
Following on from our story of one person's persistance in getting the Sha Ha beach cleaned up, we tell you of another others who saw a problem and took action – and got results.
Ma Nam Wat village resident, John Brennan saw his quiet area being disturbed, asked questions and got the authorities involved. A large industrial hoist was to be anchored in the Ma Nam Wat inlet, an area of great natural beauty bordering the small part of the Ma On Shan Country Park within Sai Kung. The inlet is a breeding area for fish and has a healthy growth of mangroves, as well as being a centre for aquatic recreation – canoeing, windsurfing and sailing. Worried about the potential disturbance and increased pollution, he got hold of the Marine Department and within one day, they requested the owner move it. We’re not sure where it’s going but it won’t be bothering people, or the marine life, enjoying the peace and quiet of this particular inlet.
Meanwhile, in a story that’s been going on for months, Denise Tong has been spearheading the call to move the weekend market (New Funland) away from the grassy area in front of the car park on the Sai Kung waterfront. Backed by the complaints of many local residents and visitors, and with the support of several local residents, she contacted and got meetings with district and government officials. Keeping the pressure on for some time proved worthwhile and at the latest meeting on 8 June with staff of the Sai Kung District Community Centre (SKDCC, which runs the market), one SK district councillor and three SK residents, it seems to have been agreed to move the market from its present location to the pavement in front of the swimming pool. SKDCC said that all the market vendors have agreed to this move off the grass. Officials are waiting on approval from the Highways Department (which has jurisdiction of this proposed new market area!). It may take a couple of months because the application to use a public space has to be circulated to various government departments, but it appears to be a fait accompli.
During the early June deluges of rain, Guy Shirra contacted the Hong Kong Catholic Social Communications Office about the large quantities of mud washed out of the Sai Kung Catholic Cemetery, which is located in the hilly area by Tan Cheung Village. Land had been cleared by contractors for the cemetery and, according to Guy, proper precautions were not taken to prevent the mud going down the footpath and into the road outside the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. This caused inconvenience and danger to pedestrians and road users. A prompt response, within one day, came from the Superintendent of Catholic Cemeteries, Yu Cheuk Man, saying that the contractor had immediately cleared all the water channels and manholes, and cleaned the affected area, as well as been instructed to carry out immediate measures to prevent the happening of similar event again.
Well done to all!
It shows what can be done when people do more than just complain.
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written by D R W, June 22, 2010
written by john brennan, June 25, 2010
What are our local politicans doing ? When the country parks and the general environment are being destroyed by unscrupulous developers and corporate vandals?
written by Karina, July 03, 2010
written by john brennan, July 04, 2010
