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The Tai O development sheltered boat anchorage, built by the Civil Engineering and Development Department(CEDD), to provide permanent anchorage facilities for Tai O fishermen was completed today (September 27).
The construction works cost about $260 million.
Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Tsao Tak-kiang, said at the opening ceremony that the four-hectare sheltered boat anchorage with associated marine access channels would help meet the shortfall in typhoon shelter space and revitalise Tai O.
CEDD had built a promenade about 130 metres long with landing steps. It also formed about seven hectares of inter-tidal area from the disused saltpans to provide a suitable area for mangrove replanting.
The mangrove replant is to compensate for the loss of mangrove area due to the construction of Chek Lap Kok Airport and the development of the north coast of Lantau Island. It provides food and living place for the tidal flat animals, thus benefiting other land and sea wildlife.
As the old 630-metre seawall had been seriously eroded, the department restored it with provision of railing to form a pedestrian link.
Mr Tsao said that Tai O was one of the largest fishing villages in Hong Kong and an historical base for fishing boats in the western approaches of Lantau Island and the Peal River Estuary.
The restored seawall together with the mangrove habitat would become valuable attributes of Tai O for visitors interested in eco-tourism and cultural heritage.
The construction of the sheltered boat anchorage was a civil engineering project integrating protection of the ecosystem, preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of tourism. "We believe the project can help revitalise the economy of Tai O," he said.
Mr Tsao thanked the local community and residents of Tai O for their co-operation and support during the construction period, enabling the smooth completion of the project.
Also officiating at the ceremony were the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Thomas Chan; District Officer of Islands District Office Mr Fung Ho-yin; Chairman of Islands District Council Mr Lam Wai-keung, and Chairman of the Tai O Rural Committee, Mr Lee Chi-fung.
Ends/Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Issued at HKT 16:59
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