A BOLD proposal to build a 10-kilometre cable car system from Sai Kung to High Island reservoir has been endorsed by international experts. Engineers who designed the cable car system to Singapore's Sentosa Island resortwere in Sai Kung last week to commence studies on building a similar tourist attraction. The proposed cable car would connect Sharp Island, Kau Sai Chau, Urn Island and Tiu Chung Chau to the mainland. The Sai Kung District Development Foundation wants to turn the relatively uninhabited islands into a $3 billion tourist centre featuring theme parks, aquariums, zoos and marinas. The development would compete with Singapore's top tourist attraction, which features cultural theme villages, museums, beaches and parks set among panoramic views of the city skyline. Sai Kung District Board and foundation member, Lau Wan-hei, said engineers found the area ideal despite windy conditions. 'The Singaporean experts said it was suitable for cable cars to connect the islands as they were so close together and not many ships pass through the area,' he said. Suspension bridges may also connect some of the islands, which would offer such facilities as bicycle paths and horse riding ranges alongside the existing Kau Sai Chau golf course. The foundation says the development would revitalise Sai Kung economically and culturally. But many residents have voiced fears their relatively peaceful district would be ruined by the work. Mr Lau argued that the number of day-trippers to the area was already high. Hong Kong Tourist Association spokesman Peter Randall said the body would monitor all development proposals forwarded, saying many tourists also enjoyed Sai Kung's tranquillity. 'It is a very beautiful area out there and any development should add to it, not be detrimental,' he said. A Home Affairs Department spokesman said several departments had to study final plans for the development before any approval was given. Engineers are expected to submit designs to the foundation in the next month.
