Here’s the edited version I just sent to [insert the first address with no spaces, it sends it directly to her fax machine]:
remote-printer.Dr_Sarah_Liao/
Secretary_for_the_Environment_Transport_and_Works
@85221368017.iddd.tpc.int
etwbenq@etwb.gov.hk
Add your own name folks.
—–
Adam Connors
[Address supplied]
ATTENTION:
Dr Sarah Liao
The Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works
16th Floor, Murray Building
Garden Road
Hong Kong
June 11, 2003
Re: Construction of Emergency Vehicular Access at Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island
Dear Dr Liao,
I am writing to object to the development of Lamma Island described in Gazette No. 2573 for the following reasons.
Firstly, the required land resumption to enable this project to go ahead will damage the environment to an unacceptable level. Whilst your maps show no trees, it is clear that many mature trees along the main path towards Hung Shing Yeh, and much of the wooded slopes around Yung Shue Ling and Shau Shan Terrace, will be destroyed by the proposed road. In addition, the proposed cutting of slopes and fill-slopes greatly infringe into the Yung Shue Long Valley – an area of natural beauty, and one of the few remaining wetlands in Yung Shue Wan. The environmental price is simply too high.
Secondly, Lamma’s fire service and ambulance vehicles have been specially designed to cope with the narrow footpaths that provide access to nearly all homes. These footpaths have been upgraded at public expense over the past three years to 1.7-2.3 metres. This path width is more than adequate to handle the axle-width of the new fire trucks and bikes. A road of 3.5 metres – plus the space needed for additional retaining walls, drainage and the like – is simply not needed on Lamma.
Thirdly, the proposed EVA fails to contact with the fire station. Surely there must be a more effective way to connect the few houses in Yung Shue Long Valley to the emergency services. The fire station is within close distance of these residences. Surely the over-building of this connecting road is wasteful in the extreme.
Fourth, the proposed road, if built, will result in a further danger of speeding village vehicles. As the proposed route runs along footpaths used by resident infant and primary school children as they walk to and from their schools, there is a real likelihood of accidents and injury.
I hope that you will take my objection into consideration, and that you will not grant this project authorization.
Yours faithfully,
Adam Connors
Journalist
Lamma Island resident April 2000-June 2003
