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SCMP Reporter

What do you think of the  green-belt  plan for the Mega Tower site?
I beg to disagree with the views of H. C. Bee (Talkback, October 4),  on the Mega Tower hotel project in Wan Chai.
It is wrong to say that the public and the Wan Chai community do not like the Hopewell Centre II  project. I and many of my friends who live or work in the vicinity of Queen's Road East  and Ship Street  are not opposed to it.
Our economy is suffering because of the financial turmoil. Hong Kong needs a large-scale project like this to boost its economic growth and competitiveness. More importantly, we need more job openings.
I am not against having a greener environment, but I do not support the green-belt plan or rezoning application by the Conservancy Association  ('Green belt proposed for Mega Tower', September 27).
The same application submitted in 2004 was rejected by the Town Planning Board  in 2005. There has not been much change since then other than our economy. It is, therefore, totally a waste of the government's time and resources, not least of taxpayers' money.
Our government has more urgent issues.  Quality of life is important, but making a living should take priority.
John C.L. Cheng, Wan Chai
Should more land be provided for international schools?
I was surprised to learn that three available school sites have been given to international schools ('Three sites allocated to international schools,' October 3).
Many people come from abroad to Hong Kong every year and often they bring their families. There is often a waiting list for international schools and so they need to be able to expand and offer more places. I do understand the problems these students face. They would experience difficulties if they had to attend a local school, especially if they  do not speak Cantonese.
However, I would like to see these international schools having exchange programmes with local schools. This would be a good experience for Hong Kong pupils. They could improve their English-language skills and learn about other cultures. Pupils living and studying in the New Territories could go to international schools' campuses in that part of Hong Kong.
Providing these sites for the international schools will benefit the economy of Hong Kong, as  businesspeople from abroad wanting to come here to work will realise that their children can get a place at an international school.
I think it is a good idea to provide more land to international schools, provided they are in suitable locations.
May Yuen, New Territories
How delighted I was to see a small independent school like Hong Lok Yuen International School  be awarded one of the vacant secondary school sites ('Three sites allocated to international schools,' October 3).  Schools like Hong Lok Yuen have an extremely valuable place in Hong Kong, offering quality education to a wide range of students.
There are still many children who don't fit into the  local-school or English Schools Foundation  categories and need independent schools.
Parents looking for an option of a smaller school, where their child will be viewed and nurtured as an individual more than at a school with a huge yearly intake, need schools like this.
Melissa Jupp, Tai Po
Should private estates allow the keeping of pets?
I do not hate pets; however, when it comes to keeping pets in private estates, I am strongly opposed to the idea.
Pets can create hygiene problems.
If owners leave  pets alone while they go out, then  they may relieve themselves and  create more hygiene problems.
Some owners may even allow their pets to use parks and other areas of a neighbourhood as a toilet and this causes problems for residents, not just of the private estate.
There is also the issue of noise pollution. A private estate is supposed to be quiet, and it  can be unbearable for residents if they have to put up with the barking of their neighbours' dogs. How would people feel about that after coming home from a hard day at work or school?
People who are allergic to animals might also be affected if there were a lot of pets in the private estate where they lived.
I do not wish to discriminate against animals. I just find them, to a large extent, annoying.
Laura Ho Yuen-yung, Mid-Levels
Should a soccer pitch be built in Discovery Bay?
I do not think that a soccer pitch should be  built in Discovery Bay ('It's no fun with nowhere to play, say children in Discovery Bay,' October 4).
I have been working on Lantau Island for  about three months. Sometimes, because of my job, I need to visit Discovery Bay and it's an experience I do not enjoy. It is an attractive place, but I find some of the residents to be selfish and egotistical.
Recently, some residents complained about a police vehicle and ambulance which they thought were driving too fast in the Discovery Bay area. In fact, they were rushing to the scene of a traffic accident and had their sirens and flashing blue lights on.
Recently, some residents have complained about the lack of transport in Discovery Bay. I think this is ridiculous as they already knew that before they moved to Discovery Bay.
Nobody forced them to go and live there. And now they are complaining about not having sufficient facilities where their children can play sport. So why don't they just move out?
Every day I see children playing in the park of Yat Tung Estate,  which is a public estate. They may not come from families that are as rich as Discovery Bay residents, but I am sure they are a lot happier.
Johnny Lee Chi-ho, Cheung Sha Wan
Do you find the Consumer Council's  price comparisons useful?
Even though the Consumer Council is monitoring prices, it is difficult for it to come up with all the best bargains available to shoppers, as there are considerable fluctuations in the retail market.
In  a sense, it resembles a volatile stock market where resources are deployed to help inform investors.
In fact, the savvy housewife can find the best available bargains herself without the help of the Consumer Council.
Pang Chi-ming, Fanling



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