It is interesting and enlightening to learn that members of a Hakka clan are planning to recreate their Tai Uk Wai village, which was submerged in 1956 as a result of the construction of Tai Lam Chung Reservoir ("Bucking trend, indigenous village rises again", August 1).
The research team in the department of real estate and construction at the University of Hong Kong has studied Tai Tam Tuk, which was the first village submerged due to construction of Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir a little more than a century ago.
The village might have been established in the 18th century. Fifty people were counted in the 1841 census, and in 1911, there were 52 males and 24 females. Three-quarters of the residents had the surname Chung, and were originally from Mui Yuen of Ng Wah, Guangdong. There were also two Yau families (12 people) and two Chan brothers before the relocation took place.
It was reported that their resettlement had been in negotiations for a considerable time, but without success. Eventually 15 houses were re-established at a total cost of HK$5,834.84, and they apparently resettled in Chai Wan.
A photo survives (from Ko Tim-keung) showing the layout of the village houses, which substantially matches the description that James Hayes gave in .
Members of the research team conducted investigations underwater to confirm the existence of the village. Despite the turbidity and silt, photos taken show its remains underwater, such as two structures made of masonry - a retaining wall and a pier. Further investigation hopefully will be carried out in the near future.
