What stories could this unassuming basketball court tell? This is Ha Wan Tsuen Basketball Court. It stands as a testament to a village facing monumental change. Ha Wan Tsuen itself is a village with a rich history. It is located in the Lok Ma Chau area of Yuen Long District in Hong Kong.
For almost half a century, life here was defined by fish ponds and green fields. Mr. Kwok Hoi-yin’s humble cottage stood as a peaceful retreat near Shenzhen. Now, the view from his window is a grey stone wall. The tranquility is disrupted by the construction.
Ha Wan Tsuen, a 100-year-old village, faces an uncertain future. The government approved a plan to create a new tech zone. This zone will eventually swallow the village. Mr. Kwok, the village’s elected chief, expressed his concerns. He feels powerless against the government’s plans.
The San Tin Technopole is at the heart of the Northern Metropolis project. The government touts it as a core for industry development. It promises a third of the Metropolis’ 500,000 new jobs. This project aims to integrate Hong Kong more closely with mainland China. It will transform a vast area along the border.
Many residents like Mr. Kwok are concerned. They had little opportunity to voice their concerns directly to the government. A consultation period revealed strong opposition. Despite this, the project received approval.
An evacuation date for Ha Wan Tsuen remains unconfirmed. Compensation has not been addressed. Environmental concerns have been dismissed. The Technopole will encroach on a protected wetland area. This area has been recognized by UNESCO since 1995. The government plans to establish a wetland conservation park as compensation.
Aqua farmer Mr. Chan Kwok-sun is doubtful. His ponds, cultivated for almost 40 years, are set to be filled. He questions the effectiveness of ecological compensation. Despite this, he acknowledges Shenzhen’s remarkable transformation. He welcomes development but wants to stay as long as possible.
The story of Ha Wan Tsuen Basketball Court is intertwined with the village’s fate. It’s a place where villagers gather. They connect amid the changing landscape. It is a place where the games go on. Yet the court stands as a silent witness to the village’s past. It is a past that is slowly fading. The future remains uncertain. This basketball court is more than just a place to play. It represents a community facing immense change. It echoes the resilience and spirit of Ha Wan Tsuen.