Letters | White elephant? Here’s how to help Hong Kong’s Kau Yi Chau project take flight

Readers discuss criticism of the plan to develop artificial islands off the coast of Lantau, possible irregularities in the sale of flats by tender, and the turnaround in Cathay Pacific’s fortunes

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People visit the Civil Engineering and Development Department’s exhibitions on the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands on February 9. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

Published: 11:30am, 25 Mar 2024

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I refer to the well-argued op-ed, “Artificial islands project: a white elephant that’s cheaper to abort now” (March 7).

It is true that starting two mega projects now would be burning the candle at both ends. But we can turn the white elephant into a small flying elephant by transforming the Kau Yi Chau project into a plan for a logistics hub. The most important element of this plan is moving the Kwai Tsing Container Terminals to Kau Yi Chau.

In so doing, we could kill two birds with one stone. In 10 years’ time, once the container terminals are relocated, we could have ample land for residential development.

My proposal is inspired by the success stories of some new towns. Sha Tin, built mainly on land reclaimed from Tolo Harbour, is flourishing after its development was accelerated by the opening pf KCR stations. The racecourse was an additional draw to the area.

Another success story is the airport and bridges. Tung Chung is thriving because of a catalyst – the airport.