XN000022-1972-12-21 — Page 4

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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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