Hong Kong landfill redevelopment scheme hits setback as NGO pulls out

A government scheme to redevelop Hong Kong’s closed landfills into spaces for recreational use by paying welfare groups to carry out the work has suffered another blow.

Christian Family Service Centre had plans to build a community centre on Ma Yau Tong Central Landfill in Kwun Tong, but has ditched the project because of cost concerns.

However, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) on Tuesday announced a funding agreement with another charity, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs), to set up a green education camp on top of Tseung Kwan O Stage 1 Landfill in Sai Kung.

The deal is part of the Restored Landfill Revitalisation Funding Scheme, which already hit a setback in 2017 when authorities were forced to scrap plans for one site because the proposals were deemed not viable.

The government on Tuesday said Christian Family Service Centre had decided not to pursue the project because “the estimated capital costs had exceeded the ... ceiling of the HK$100 million (US$12.74 million) capital grant under the scheme”.

An EPD spokesman said: “The department will review the operational and implementation experience gathered in batch one of the scheme, with a view to introducing enhanced measures for batch two. The review is expected to be completed in 2019.”