Ex-residents want prison built close to old homes so they can resettle nearby

Former New Territories villagers want the Government's proposed super-jail to be built near their old homes.

Hundreds of former residents of 10 deserted villages, including Sam A Tsuen in the Sha Tau Kok area, believe a new highway and other infrastructure required for the prison would give them the chance to resettle nearby.

Two locations in Sha Tau Kok, one near Plover Cove Country Park and the other off the marine park at Yan Chau Tong, are being proposed by residents for a super-jail being considered by the Government. Both sites meet the size requirement of about 138 ha proposed by the Security Bureau. The jail is intended to house all inmates from the present 24 correctional institutes.

The land covered by the two proposals was recovered by the Government in the 1970s and 1980s at about $5 to $6 per square foot, according to Sha Tau Kok district councillor Wan Wo-fai.

Apart from a few families still living there, most villagers have either migrated to Britain or moved to urban areas such as Tai Po.

Mr Wan said the villagers would not demand any further compensation from the Government. He said the two sites, surrounded by mountains and water and away from the border, were suitable locations. 'The prisoners can't possibly run too far even if riots break out,' Mr Wan said. 'Whether they run into the mountains or plunge into the sea, they can be easily spotted from a helicopter. And the land is ready since the issue of recovery was completed a long time ago,' he said.