A former senior official has floated a novel idea to house a million people - reclaiming part of the scenic Tolo Harbour, and waters in the northwest New Territories.
Nicky Chan Nai-keong, former secretary for lands and works, and now a Preparatory Committee member, said part of the Tolo Harbour in Sha Tin, the harbour area around Lau Fau Shan in Yuen Long and Siu Lam near Tuen Mun could be reclaimed.
He said it would be impractical to control population growth given that mainland children of local permanent residents would be entitled to stay in Hong Kong after the handover.
One site in Tolo Harbour could mean 900 hectares for 300,000 to 500,000 people.
Reclamation along the coast of Lau Fau Shan would provide 600 hectares, and accommodate a population of 200,000 to 300,000, while the site near Siu Lam could provide up to 400 hectares, housing 100,000 to 200,000.
Mr Chan suggested that railways be built to serve the proposed new towns.
