No increase in compensation for landlords whose plots are seized by Hong Kong government for public housing, development chief says

Secretary for Development Michael Wong says current rate at HK$1,389.6 per square foot is ‘very much enough’

Rural affairs body Heung Yee Kuk earlier opposed move, with rural leaders warning they will block public developments in New Territories

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Agricultural land in Hong Kong bordering the city of Shenzhen. Photo: EPA

Published: 9:17pm, 17 Oct 2019Updated: 9:17pm, 17 Oct 2019

There will be no increase in compensation for landlords whose plots are seized for public housing, Hong Kong’s development minister has said despite calls for a review.

Secretary for Development Michael Wong Wai-lun said at a press conference on Thursday that the administration would be prudent in its spending, as he discussed the land resumption initiative announced by the city’s leader a day earlier.

Michael Wong, development secretary. Photo: Edward Wong

Wong added that the current rate for seizing suitable agricultural land for development, at HK$1,389.6 per square foot, was “very much enough”.

The rate applies to plots near planned new towns or major infrastructure. Land situated further away would be taken at cheaper rates.

“Bear in mind, under the current scheme, it’s resuming land for public housing, not commercial use,” he said.