THE chainsaws of progress were screeching last week along Po Wan Road behind Sheung Shui. They were being wielded by an arm of government. Crashing down came 200 mature trees, eucalyptus and spreading shade trees, planted a few years ago by another arm of government to provide a noise and wind break.
In place of this attractive barrier, the Government is now busily erecting a concrete and plastic fence to do exactly the same job as the trees.
Marvellous, isn't it? However, there seems to be a shred of logic to this seemingly bizarre move.
The relentless march of development is stamping through the area, with factories and other large buildings going up along newly formed streets. Long prone to flooding, there are also extensive works concreting nullahs and strengthening stream banks, to make sure that when the spring rains come, the floodwaters will safely flow away.
Also going up in the area is a vast new abattoir, a significant improvement for the Hong Kong human food chain.
Building started in February 1997, but it was speeded up after the chicken flu scare later that year.