What do you think of plans to widen Hiram's Highway?
I do not support the proposal. To begin with, Sai Kung's environment will be destroyed. Sai Kung is an attractive place because of its beautiful natural scenery. The construction site would be so large, it would pollute the environment, and the district's low-density character would be destroyed by the increased flow of traffic. Overdevelopment in Sai Kung could also become a problem because of an increase in traffic.
The destroyed natural environment would hinder tourism. As we all know, people go to Sai Kung because of the natural scenery. With more residents and tourists, the place would surely lose its appeal as a tranquil sanctuary for city dwellers.
The proposal would also raise property prices in Sai Kung, which might result in further development projects and, sadly, more pollution.
I believe the congestion problem lies in the overuse of private cars. I think the government should encourage the use of public transport by running more bus and minibus services. This would work far better than widening the highway because it would minimise destruction of the environment.
I hope there can be more serious thought and consultation before the government embarks on the project, to ensure a balance between environmental preservation and tackling the traffic problem.
