Lai Chi Wo village chief insists on go-ahead for revitalisation plan despite opposing homeowners
The row centres on empty dwellings to be converted into guest houses, but some villagers who have moved overseas say they were not properly consulted
A HK$50 million project to revitalise a 400-year-old Hong Kong village in Lai Chi Wo would not be derailed by a small group of opposing locals, the enclave’s leader said on Tuesday.
Village chief Tsang Wai-yip’s remarks were part of a bid to clear the air on “overblown” claims that some disgruntled villagers were against the plan to convert empty dwellings in the area into guest houses. They had threatened to complain to town planners and even block roads into the village if the project was not shelved.
Launched by the Hong Kong Countryside Foundation – a charity dedicated to conserving the city’s countryside – the development is aimed at revitalising the area and promoting Hakka culture.
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“I cannot compromise the interests of all the other villagers who will benefit from this scheme just for about 20 households who oppose it,” Tsang told the Post. There are about 200 families with ties to the village, but most are living overseas.
According to media reports, some villagers who have recently returned from Britain are unhappy with the “harsh contractual terms” set out in the leasing agreements under the project. They also claimed that they were not properly consulted on the matter.
But Tsang, who chairs a social enterprise that runs the homes, said none of the opposing villagers were directly involved in the project, which will restore and transform a first batch of 12 abandoned homes into guest houses in the northeastern New Territories enclave.
At least one owner has pulled out of the scheme, but Tsang said it was because of “family problems” rather than contract issues.