White elephants? Eight costly Hong Kong projects that left people asking why
The costly schemes range from a statue of a giant goose in Sham Tseng to rain shelters in Quarry Bay that failed to keep pedestrians dry
From a statue of a giant goose to rain shelters that fail to keep people dry, Hongkongers are constantly surprised about how city authorities make decisions about building public facilities. Some, which are supposed to improve the environment, face derision from the public. But at the same time, they could cost taxpayers thousands or even millions of dollars. City Weekend looks at eight such public facilities which are either on the drawing board or have actually been built – despite intense criticism.
1. Musical fountain on the Kwun Tong promenade
Estimated cost: HK$50 million
Criticism: Critics have said the fountain is a waste of resources. A 2015 survey by the Kowloon East Community Concern Group showed 86 per cent of the 1,645 people polled opposed the project. The group’s community officer, Chan Chak-to, said the project would be a burden on the public purse and that a fountain was not related to the district, adding that most people would prefer to see the money spent on medical facilities.
2. A giant goose statue in Sham Tseng