Landfill plans spark angry protest, calls for blockade
NT residents say their earlier victory on tip expansions has not curbed government's pursuit of same plans
Temperatures ran high in the square outside the Legislative Council yesterday as opponents of landfill extensions made a spirited protest in defence of their neighbourhoods.
Inside, lawmakers were due to vote on government funding requests for an enlargement of the Ta Kwu Ling dump and a feasibility study for a proposed expansion of the Tuen Mun landfill, both of which will reach capacity in a few years.
About 200 residents from the two areas filled the air with the sounds of slogans and drums, urging the withdrawal of the plans. They vowed to step up action if the Legco Finance Committee passed the proposals.
Dozens of people, including Democratic Party members and residents of Lung Kwu Tan in Tuen Mun, staged a 24-hour hunger strike.
They accused the government of irresponsibility and called for Environment Secretary Wong Kam-sing's resignation.
Lawmakers opposing the plan and representatives from the Heung Yee Kuk, including rural leaders Leung Fuk-yuen and Hau Chi-keung, expressed support for their cause.
Boos greeted passing legislator Christopher Chung Shu-kun, whose Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong had decided to vote for both plans.
