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SCMP Reporter

What do you think of  plans to revitalise Tai O?
I am writing concerning the Tai O revitalisation plans. 
It is Hong Kong's oldest fishing village. Its distinctive stilt houses along the 15-metre-wide Tai O creek have led to it being called  the 'Oriental Venice'.
 However, as its reputation spreads and it becomes more popular, an increasing number of Hongkongers are visiting to eat seafood and buy dried sea products and the environment in the village has deteriorated. 
The mudflat along the creek was a habitat for fiddler crabs. Now all I see is litter.  
Of course, it is possible that much of this garbage is domestic refuse from the inhabitants of the stilt homes. For example, you see a lot of disused planks. 
I believe that before any of the planned initiatives are implemented, such as nature trails along the wetlands and bringing back the rope ferry, the environment should be cleaned up. 
I hope that part of the disused salt pans will be given a new lease of life with demonstrations for tourists.
Chan Wai-yu, Tsuen Wan
One of the key revitalisation features of Tai O will be the proposal to bring the hand-pulled punt back into service ('Last operator happy hand-pulled Tai O ferry may return to service', July 25).   
Although this traditional ferry service is unique to Tai O, it is highly inefficient and would be too labour intensive.
Although we want to be able to keep certain features of the past so that Hong Kong's heritage can be preserved, should we revive something like this ferry? 
Humans see progress as being the invention of machinery that reduces people's workload, so why would we take a backward step? 
If officials are serious about bringing this service back and offering visitors a unique Tai O experience, they must first  acknowledge that it will need to be funded by the government and hence taxpayers as there is no way that it can be profitable. I do not want to read a report that the government tells us that its plan for bringing back the ferry is to be scrapped because no one is willing to tender for the service.
We should ask now if taxpayers are willing to fund a revived ferry service.
H. C. Bee, Kowloon Tong
What can be done to  make minibuses safer?
The current safety measures, such as seat belts, LED speed display, seat handles and a complaints hotline are not ensuring a safe journey for passengers.
Most of us are already very disappointed and angry over the accident rate in the minibus industry.
We can only make this dangerous form of transport safer with the co-operation of the drivers.
They should show greater care  and avoid behaviour that could lead to passengers facing unnecessary risks.
However, it is not just up to the drivers. Minibus operators have an important role to play.
They should ensure that their drivers see safety as a priority when they get behind the wheel. 
They can do this by reforming the wage structure, so that minibuses stop going so fast in order to get extra fares.
Monetary incentives should be offered for safe driving. 
There must be regular training sessions for drivers so that professional standards are raised. Our government must do what it can to  ensure these changes  are implemented.
For example, police traffic teams have already done a good job at trying to improve driving standards, such as organising road safety campaigns.
Checks on minibus drivers should be stepped up.
I used to be a loyal minibus passenger, but I will  avoid using  them until reforms are implemented that make them  safer. 
David Lue, Tuen Mun
Should there be more controls  on outdoor smoking?
Smoking is banned in all public indoors spaces and on July 1 this ban was extended to including bars and clubs.
Thanks to the ban, indoor air quality has improved.
Now, more people are smoking outdoors, in designated  areas, and there have been calls for the ban to be extended even further.
It is almost as if we are regarding the act of smoking as a crime.
The point that the advocates of an outdoor ban make is that wherever you light up, someone will be affected by second-hand smoke. Even if you smoke at home, it will affect family members.
However, we have to carefully consider the implications of such a blanket ban.
For example, think of tourism. I have noticed that many mainland visitors smoke, so if they were banned from lighting up, they would probably stop coming to Hong Kong.
Tai Kwun-kit, Sheung Shui
Should the drug rehab centre  get the Mui Wo premises?
Although I live abroad now, I  grew up in Hong Kong and I support the proposal to allow the Christian Zheng Sheng College to use the school  in Mui Wo.
I have been touched by the courage the college's students have shown in the face of hostility.
These young people have made mistakes in the past, but they are part of the future of Hong Kong. We should help them if we can. Everybody deserves a second chance.
I am sure  people  respect Mui Wo residents and the concerns they have expressed, but many support the wishes of the students  to be relocated  in Mui Wo.
We should do our best to help our young people and show them our love and care. The  college is especially important, given that our society is facing a serious drug problem.
Many youngsters need this facility to help them deal with their addiction and integrate back into society.
The college has a good track record when it comes to successfully rehabilitating troubled youngsters.
I am sure parents whose children have a drug problem appreciate this. Therefore, I hope that Mui Wo residents will accept these young people.
Jonathan Li Nam-shun, Ipswich, Britain



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