factories and the increased population. Also the catchments of the
reservoirs have so depleted the water table that villagers living
below the catchments who are dependent on their wells are
grievously affected in a drought. The large majority of villages
have no mains supply.
(f) Electricity: Of the 600 odd villages in the New Territories,
70% do not have street lighting. Where electricity for domestic
purposes is desired, this is only provided on the condition that
the persons requiring this utility bear the cost of linking their
homes to the nearest mains supply. This could cost several
thousands of dollars, and is a burden which does not fall on
urban dwellers or on the inhabitants of new towns. Although
electricity is not supplied by Government but by a company under
a franchise, surely it is the responsibility of Government to see
that the inhabitants of the New Territories are not placed in a
disadvantageous position in this connection.
The Heung Yee Kuk has made representations to the Government on these
matters. These shortcomings have been acknowledged and recently promises have been
made that they will be remedied but no dates have been given as to their
implementation. However, little has been done to alleviate them. The Heung Yee Kuk
feels strongly that this is mainly due to its non-participation on the occasions
when policy decisions are made as to the priorities on which public funds are
allocated.
(B) FOUR MAIN PROVISIONS (BASED ON THE SPIRIT OF THE 1898 CONVENTION)
I.
1.
TO PRESERVE THE FREEDOM OF BUILDING HOUSES FOR DWELLING
There has been a gradual erosion of the freedom of the inhabitants of
the New Territories to build houses on their own land. The Heung Yee Kuk seeks to
prevent any further erosion, and to remedy the effect of such erosion.
2.
Prior to the 1898 Convention the inhabitants of the New Territories
had complete freedom to build village type houses without restrictions.
The Crown clearly recognised this right in administering the New
3.
4
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