regulatory activities would certainly not be welcome, would even be resisted if they adversely affected the vested interests of the local inhabitants, particularly the landed interests. On the other hand, the Hong Kong Government is expected by Walled City residents to look after their environmental and social well-being. Their greatest expectation from the Government is the installation of a regular water supply system to replace the existing unhygienic and illegal supplies. They also expect the chaotic electricity situation and the grossly inadequate drainage system to be improved.
6.
The Hong Kong Government are doing what they can to improve the environment in the Walled City. In 1973 they started to clear the sensitive areas on the fringe of the Walled City. They plan to continue this clearance (which will take some years to complete). They hope thereby to create a public demand for redevelopment within the Walled City itself. Flans have also been put forward, but not yet approved by the Governor, for a full technical survey to be undertaken to determine the feasibility of installing a water supply system, for a similar survey to be undertaken to determine the feasibility of tidying up the electricity system, and for the overhaul of the drainage system.
Far Eastern Department
4 June 1974
CONFIDENTIAL
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