Islanders sail into Central to march against incinerator

Hundreds of Cheung Chau and South Lantau islanders landed at Central pier number five yesterday for a protest march against plans to build a giant incinerator on nearby Shek Kwu Chau.

Cheung Chau fishermen said the plan, which involves the loss of 31 hectares of fishing grounds, would destroy their livelihoods.

Other islanders were worried about increased pollution. The incinerator would emit about 2,900 tonnes of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide and 217 tonnes of respirable suspended particles per year.

Around 700 people took part in the march from the Central ferry pier to the government headquarters in the district.

Li Wing-sang, vice-chairman of Cheung Chau Rural Committee, argued that the choice of Shek Kwu Chau - a small island 3.5 kilometres to the southwest of Cheung Chau - over an alternative site in Tsang Tsui in Tuen Mun, would be unreasonable.

Although the final decision has not been made, the Environment Bureau last month said it preferred Shek Kwu Chau over Tsang Tsui because trips to dispose of waste on the island would be shorter. Public consultation ends on Friday.

'No sea reclamation would be needed for the Tuen Mun option,' said Li. 'The incinerator would also be placed farther away from residents than the Shek Kwu Chau option.'