Q Is it worth filling in the harbour to prevent traffic jams?
Chan Wai-kwan, vice-chairman of the metro planning committee of the Town Planning Board, is the closest source of authority so far in communicating with the public about the reclamation of the harbour. Because of his authoritative position, his article, 'A harbour for the people' (October 3, Post) must be scrutinised.
The need for a Central-Wan Chai bypass and reclaiming the harbour to construct the bypass are two separate issues. While there is still debate about the need to resolve traffic congestion, reclaiming the harbour as the only way to fulfil that need seems to be altogether simplistic.
Alternatives must be studied without filling the harbour. The community has the right and obligation to scrutinise and debate the harbour-front plan.
While there is less resistance to reclamation for a harbour-front promenade than a highway, there is no need for such a promenade to be continuous. Town planners must utilise the existing waterfront. Until there is real public participation and consensus-building in town planning, public distrust about our town planners is justified.
Without a fundamental change of our Town Planning Board's way of planning the city, sidelined citizens have to resort to the courts.