A $42 million reclamation project to turn a quiet bay on Lamma Island into an artificial beach with waterfront promenade and community facilities would deter visitors from the island, a green group has warned.
The Civil Engineering Department proposes to reclaim 1.2 hectares at Yung Shue Wan for a library, post office and police station, as well as a promenade, artificial beach and sea wall.
Some island residents oppose the plan, saying it will damage the natural landscape and that the public facilities can be built elsewhere on the island.
'It is in the best interests of the island to avoid the reclamation as it would disrupt people's lives and waste money,' said Ron Yiu Kin-yu, a spokesman for the Green Lamma Association.
He said the Government told residents the project would strengthen the island's tourism potential. But Mr Yiu said Lamma would lose its unique landscape.
Law Po-yee, a government senior civil engineer, said the department would examine various reclamation options to allay residents' concerns.
