Document is criticised by some legislators for not providing viable options to solve problems facing the waterfront
A new document designed to gather public opinions on the future of the Wan Chai waterfront was unveiled to an unfriendly reception from legislators yesterday.
It was released to replace an earlier version that was heavily criticised for disguising government reclamation attempts.
Members of the Harbourfront Enhancement Committee presented the new document, 'The Harbourfront Enhancement Review - Wan Chai and the Adjoining Areas Public Engagement Kit', at Legco's panel on planning, lands and works.
But the document, which asks more than 35 questions to gauge opinion on the ideal waterfront and best way to solve traffic congestion, failed to please legislators.
Cheung Hok-ming, of the Democratic Alliance for Betterment of Hong Kong, said the document was worse than the previous version because it failed to give the public viable options from which to choose answers.
Liberal Party legislator Lau Wong-fat, who chairs the panel, asked why the committee needed to ask the public before it came up with proposals. 'You are professionals. Why do you need to ask the public first? Why should we pay you?' he said.