TNAG-2143-FCO40-3062-Hong-Kong-Port-and-Airport-Development-Strategy-(PADS)-1990 — Page 197

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However from our meeting on the 23rd May, it is understood that Chek Lap Kok villagers all wish to be cleared at the same time. It will not be possible for Government to complete all procedures such as resumption, assessment and payment of compensation for Phase 2 and 3 in 1990. However in order to try and meet your requests, it is now proposed that the clearance of Phase 1, for the Advance Works will not be carried out until December 1990. Further Government will attempt to clear the rest of the island, both Phases 2 and 3, in April 1991. If this date is to be met the co-operation of the Chek Lap Kok villagers will be essential.

The Chek Lap Kok villagers concerns about disruption to the kaito service have been noted and we are investigating what may need to be done to ensure that a service remains for as long as any villagers are still living on the island. I can assure you that both of the piers at Cheung Sha Lan and Fu Tei will remain open for use even after the advance works contract begins. Also, it is likely that the kaito operator will benefit from increased patrongage from workers engaged by the contractors which should offset any loss of business as villagers begin to move out, and so help to maintain the service.

(B) Village Removal

As I stated in our meeting, persons eligible under Governments existing Village Removal Policy, which was approved by the Governor-in-Council, will be offered village removal terms. My staff will now begin to assess eligibility. Your assistance in this assessment procedure would be welcomed.

Regarding location of village resites, as you have indicated a strong preference for a resite area in Tung Chung, Government will endeavour to find a suitable site. The Planning Department are looking into this as a priority issue. A possible site has been found at Wong Lung Hang Road, however the Civil Engineering Services Department has advised of possible geotechnical problems which may limit its use and other sites are being looked for in Tung Chung. It should be noted that once a resite is agreed, resumption and clearance may be necessary. Furthermore formation of the land, construction of houses, and provision of services will take

It is thus very unlikely that houses can be ready for occupation, at

at the date of clearance from Chek Lap Kok, particularly if April 1991 is to be the clearance date.

This means those affected will have to make their own arrangement for alternative accommodation in the interim. However, subject to their eligibility for Village Removal Terms being confirmed, they will be granted a temporary removal allowance and monthly rental allowances of $2,000.00 to tide them over until resite houses are ready for occupation.

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