Villagers to protest against northern New Territories development
Hakka snacks and local produce will be on sale to protest against new towns
Villagers affected by the northern New Territories development will bring a party - with traditional Hakka snacks and fresh local produce - to the government headquarters on Sunday to protest against the proposal.
The government plan to build new towns would wipe out historic villages in Fanling North, Kwu Tung, Ta Kwu Ling and Ping Che, and would eliminate 100 hectares of farmland.
The development would turn the rural area into public and private housing estates for more than 15,000 people.
The proposal has angered residents since its announcement. Locals have said their opinions have been ignored and there has been a lack of consultation on the development plans.
Critics also say the development would kill too much of what little agriculture remains in Hong Kong.
The proposal was announced by former chief executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen in his 2007-08 policy address. The third stage of consultation started with a briefing at the Legislative Council on June 28 this year.
Villagers have been demanding that the plan be halted and shelved.
Their protest on Sunday will be a "gala festival" to show off local culture, produce and the historical importance of villages in the area. About 1,000 villagers from Fanling North, Ta Kwu Ling and Kwu Tung will bring local treats to the garden on top of the government headquarters in Admiralty, which will be on sale for passers-by.
From 2pm to 5pm on Sunday, villagers will sell tea, Chinese desserts, organic vegetables and soy sauce all grown and produced in their home areas.
They hope the sale will result in their voices being heard and homes protected.
Organisers are hoping for a turnout of at least 10,000 people.
