Hong Kong: Save Sai Kung Tai Long Sai Wan, Protect Hong Kong's last natural paradise
Wednesday, 21 July 2010.
24 July (Saturday) 13:30 - 15:30 Gathering at the entrance of Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, "STOP the Tai Long Sai Wan Construction NOW !"
chinaworker.info and Socialist Action
Recently the Chairman of Mongolian Energy Corporation, and notorious stock market speculator, Simon Lo Lin-shing, has bought 10000 square metres of natural land at cost of more than HK$16 million in Tai Long Sai Wan, Sai Kung. This area is probably one of the most beautiful in all of Hong Kong. This land is surrounded by, but is not part of, the Sai Kung East Country Park. As a white sand beach on Hong Kong's most pristine stretch of coastline, it is accessible only on foot or by boat and should be protected from any construction. It is said that Lo plans to build a private luxurious villa with swimming pool and golf course there.
Now one of Hong Kong's beauty spots, owned by the public is in danger of being carved up by a ruthless capitalist.
While many normal working people in Hong Kong are desperately struggling to afford a tiny flat for their family due to sky-high property price, the rich are enjoying luxury apartments. Not satisfied with their multi-million dollar apartments, they are now developing land in the countryside which should be for the benefit of all Hong Kong citizens. While mini-bus driver are dying under the sun because of ridiculous regulation, the rich are destroying the remaining untouched beauty spots in Hong Kong with impunity. This is Hong Kong, - a shining beacon of capitalism.
On 6th of July, Environment minister Edward Yau Tang-wah was asked by media on this issue, his answer was "It's on private land, I don't know much about it. I am not even sure where it is." (7th of July, South China Morning Post). This shows exactly how much the government really cares about the environment. While conducting high profile campaigns against ‘idling engines' which caused the death of a minibus driver last month, they completely ignore the rape of the environment being conducted under their very noses.
The Environmental Protection Department(EPD) said that it does not violate any pollution regulations. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department(AFCD) said that the construction project did not affect the country park. The Planning Department said that the site is not within the statutory Planning Zone. The Lands Department said that it seems that it matched the agreement of development in agricultural land lease. Basically, all government departments said the same thing, - We do not care! It is a capitalist's world-common sense and morality be damned.
Due to high public pressure and media attention, Environment minister Mr. Yau Tan visited this site with several officials. Mr. Lo stopped the construction project temporarily. However, all engineering equipment is still there and many trees have been destroyed. The most important thing is that no one knows how long this situation will continue, or perhaps it is just a stalling tactic while the public's anger subsides.
Without mass pressure and anger, we could not have achieved this cessation. But if we retreat now, what we have won, will be quickly lost. It is just like what happened during the protest against the high-speed railway project. That is why we need to further mobilize people to protest, to publicize and to show our anger against the governments and capitalists, who never really care about us, normal people.
What we want is crystal-clear, save Sai Kung, Tai Long Sai Wan. Protect Hong Kong's last natural paradise!
Socialist Action fully support Saturday's protest organized by Sai Kung Tai Long Wan Working Group. We are calling on our members, supporters and friends to participate in this activity.
Socialists have a clear stance on environmental issues. Capitalism is killing the earth. Sustainable development and a brighter future is only possible in a socialist world.
Theme: "STOP the Tai Long Sai Wan Construction NOW" Petition
Time: 24th July (Saturday) 13.30-15.30
Place: Entrance of Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices
chinaworker.info and Socialist Action
Recently the Chairman of Mongolian Energy Corporation, and notorious stock market speculator, Simon Lo Lin-shing, has bought 10000 square metres of natural land at cost of more than HK$16 million in Tai Long Sai Wan, Sai Kung. This area is probably one of the most beautiful in all of Hong Kong. This land is surrounded by, but is not part of, the Sai Kung East Country Park. As a white sand beach on Hong Kong's most pristine stretch of coastline, it is accessible only on foot or by boat and should be protected from any construction. It is said that Lo plans to build a private luxurious villa with swimming pool and golf course there.
Now one of Hong Kong's beauty spots, owned by the public is in danger of being carved up by a ruthless capitalist.
While many normal working people in Hong Kong are desperately struggling to afford a tiny flat for their family due to sky-high property price, the rich are enjoying luxury apartments. Not satisfied with their multi-million dollar apartments, they are now developing land in the countryside which should be for the benefit of all Hong Kong citizens. While mini-bus driver are dying under the sun because of ridiculous regulation, the rich are destroying the remaining untouched beauty spots in Hong Kong with impunity. This is Hong Kong, - a shining beacon of capitalism.
On 6th of July, Environment minister Edward Yau Tang-wah was asked by media on this issue, his answer was "It's on private land, I don't know much about it. I am not even sure where it is." (7th of July, South China Morning Post). This shows exactly how much the government really cares about the environment. While conducting high profile campaigns against ‘idling engines' which caused the death of a minibus driver last month, they completely ignore the rape of the environment being conducted under their very noses.
The Environmental Protection Department(EPD) said that it does not violate any pollution regulations. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department(AFCD) said that the construction project did not affect the country park. The Planning Department said that the site is not within the statutory Planning Zone. The Lands Department said that it seems that it matched the agreement of development in agricultural land lease. Basically, all government departments said the same thing, - We do not care! It is a capitalist's world-common sense and morality be damned.
Due to high public pressure and media attention, Environment minister Mr. Yau Tan visited this site with several officials. Mr. Lo stopped the construction project temporarily. However, all engineering equipment is still there and many trees have been destroyed. The most important thing is that no one knows how long this situation will continue, or perhaps it is just a stalling tactic while the public's anger subsides.
Without mass pressure and anger, we could not have achieved this cessation. But if we retreat now, what we have won, will be quickly lost. It is just like what happened during the protest against the high-speed railway project. That is why we need to further mobilize people to protest, to publicize and to show our anger against the governments and capitalists, who never really care about us, normal people.
What we want is crystal-clear, save Sai Kung, Tai Long Sai Wan. Protect Hong Kong's last natural paradise!
Socialist Action fully support Saturday's protest organized by Sai Kung Tai Long Wan Working Group. We are calling on our members, supporters and friends to participate in this activity.
Socialists have a clear stance on environmental issues. Capitalism is killing the earth. Sustainable development and a brighter future is only possible in a socialist world.
Theme: "STOP the Tai Long Sai Wan Construction NOW" Petition
Time: 24th July (Saturday) 13.30-15.30
Place: Entrance of Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices
Socialist Action Facebook：
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=120916117954653
Facebook:
Sai Kung Tai Long Sai Won Working Group
STOP the Tai Long Sai Wan Construction NOW
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