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Thursday, December 21, 1972
This means that virtually all those people who will be affected by the reservoir,
whether farmers or fishermen, have received an indication of the way the
Government intends to help them adjust to the new conditions they must face
because of the construction of the reservoir,
Mr. Eason explained that the Government concluded that the most effective
form of assistance it can offer the fishermen is by providing housing.
This recognises the common tendency for fishermen these days to
seek a firm base ashore, initially for the security and well-being of family
members not actively involved in fishing. It also meets the need of those
fishing families who may want to break with fishing as a means of livelihood
altogether," he pointed out.
Investigations
The detailed investigations conducted by the Agriculture and Fisheries
Department and the New Territories Administration have shown that the livelihood
of some fishermen will be affected by the enclosure of the reservoir to such
an extent that a measure of compensation is due to them.
affected to a small extent.
Others will only be
In view of this, the Government will build one small house of two
storeys for each family falling into the first category and on completion these
houses will be handed over to the families as their own property.
At the same tine, a number of flats will be built for the families who
These families will not
will not be so seriously affected by the reservoir.
be given their homes but will be required to pay a small sum monthly which will either be regarded as a monthly rental or an instalment payment leading eventually
to ownership of the flat.
The details of this scheme are being fully worked out.
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