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Greek islands, like Santorini above, could offer some inspiration on urbanisation subject to certain architectural requirements in terms of size, construction materials and colour scheme. Photo: Shutterstock
OpinionLetters

Letters | Hong Kong’s outlying islands losing natural charm to poor policies

  • Local authorities have poorly managed the tourism potential of the islands, especially in allowing public and private construction of appalling quality
Lamma Island
Letters
Letters
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As Cliff Buddle rightly says, this period of pandemic has induced many of us to visit – sometimes even discover – some of the outlying islands (“Growing appeal of island life marks a cultural shift”, April 3).

I was one of many who went to Peng Chau, Lamma, Cheung Chau and even Tung Lung Chau. I fully agree that these trips are a great way to reconnect with nature, and the sights one discovers are frequently amazing.

However, I must also say that our local authorities have rather poorly managed the tourism potential of these islands. The most severe criticism I will express is the appalling quality of most of the construction, either private or public.

Village houses are all built with the same lame design, with tiled facades and frequently extra sheds around or on top. As for public buildings, just consider the horrid Peng Chau Market blockhouse, as well as its police station right on the sea front. On the other side, there is the ugly shed in front of an old temple facing the beach.

Having been too lax in the past, or perhaps showing little interest in those “remote” areas, the authorities now face a difficult situation. I strongly believe that these islands deserve better.

What about setting up a master plan that would tackle the outer islands’ various issues? Urbanisation should be subject to certain architectural requirements in terms of size, construction materials and colour scheme. For example, think of the beauty of Greek islands.

There should be protection and improvement of local curiosities such as the various temples, a better refuse collection system and paths maintenance, to name a few.

01:20

Cheung Chau: Hong Kong's idyllic island escape

Cheung Chau: Hong Kong's idyllic island escape

An obvious priority would be to preserve or renovate the few genuine old village houses with their curved roofs that are still around and issue construction permits with a proviso that the Chinese traditional style is kept.

Is this all wishful thinking? I hope not.

Francois Moirez, Stanley

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