CO129-626-10 Constructions of piers to improve communications 1-2-1950 - 28-2-1951 — Page 22

2.

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Pier and Approach at Tai 0.

Tai 0 (grid-205943 ibid) is the largest centre (about 8,000)

of population on Lantao Island, and the fourth fishing port of the Colony.

The present pier provides depth of water sufficient only for sampans, So

that ferry boats, and all other craft necessarily using this port are

obliged to discharge and load passengers and goods at sea. The sea here

is frequently rough, causing loss and discomfort, and seriously deterring

the development of the port and the hinterland.

Moreover

By extending this pier so as to allow launches to come

alongside it the foregoing disadvantages will be remedied.

the extra length will provide some kind of breakwater against west

vinds and seas, to which this port is particularly exposed.

C

The hinterland has long attracted Buddhist settlers,

prepared to spend a good deal of money in developing nunneries,

monasteries, and gardens in the mountains. This brings local employment

and raises the local standard of living. The kind of person attracted

to this kind of development is normally deterred by the dangers of landing

at Tai 0, and it is to be expected that landing facilities of a reasonable

standard will lead to accelerated development. The local market gardeners

and producers of salt from salt pans will also find it easier to get their

produce to the urban market unspoiled by sea water.

The bay here is so shallow that it has not been possible to

bring the pier any nearer to the little town. Expecting that the improved

landing facilities will bring increased trade, it has been thought desirable

to link the extension of the pier with the improvement of the path between

pier and town, for the use of tricycles and similar small vehicles,

providing for easier carriage of goods and persons between town and pier.

(b)

6. Thes scheme is part of the Interim Development Plan for the

Rural Areas.

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