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Monday, May 7, 1973
DEVELOPMENT OF A REMOTE ISLAND
The feasibility of building a fishermen's village or government low
cost housing estate on Po Toi is being studied by the government as yet
another step to further develop the remote island.
Revealing this today, Mr. Mayer Ng, the District Officer, Islands,
said the living conditions of the residents there will be greatly improved if
the project is implemented. At present, houses on the island are generally
old wooden huts.
The population of Po Toi is about 200. Most of them are elders and
children as many of the young people have gone to 'the city' for work.
In the past few years, Po Toi, the southernmost part of Hong Kong
has seen many changes, especially in community activities.
The island was 'adopted' by the Royal Air Force in 1968. Since then
RAF rural patrols have visited the island at frequent intervals and have done
a lot of community work for the residents.
A generator and power lines have been installed, bringing not only
light but also television programmes to the homes of the islanders.
"The construction of a community centre early this year is one of the
good examples of the combined efforts of the RAF and the government," Mr. Ng said.
It is the only concrete building on the island and can also be used
as a shelter for the villagers during typhoons.
The RAF