Remember Eddie Chu Hoi-dick? In 2016, he ignited public scrutiny on a housing project right here at the Wang Chau Public Housing site. This site is more than just concrete and apartments. It is a symbol of contention and a struggle for land rights in Hong Kong.
The Wang Chau housing controversy began in 2012. The plan aimed to build 17000 public housing units. These units were to be constructed in three phases. Phase 1 involved developing 4000 units on a green belt site. Phases 2 and 3 were to follow on a brownfield site.
But the project quickly became a flashpoint. Activist Eddie Chu raised concerns about potential collusion. He alleged collusion between the government businesses and rural landlords. His campaign shone a light on the complexities of land development in Hong Kong.
In 2012, the Hong Kong Housing Authority commissioned a study. Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Limited conducted the study. It explored the feasibility of the Wang Chau Public Housing Development. The study confirmed that building 17000 flats was technically feasible.
Leung Chun-ying, the Chief Executive, formed a task force. It addressed public housing development issues. These issues related to Queen’s Hill and Wang Chau. The task force met once on June 27 2013. They talked about procedures consultation brownfield sites and environmental protection.
Before downsizing the plan two rounds of informal consultation took place. Representatives from the Housing Department and Home Affairs Department consulted rural leaders. These consultations occurred on July 16 2013 and September 5 2013. Concerns arose about infrastructure environmental impact and brownfield issues.
In early 2014, the Housing Department proposed a phased approach. Phase 1 would focus on the green belt site. Phases 2 and 3 involving the brownfield site would be deferred. The Secretary for Transport and Housing approved this proposal.
A meeting took place on January 27 2014. The Chief Executive and top government officials attended. Leung Chun-ying decided to defer the second and third phases.
After downsizing the plan two rounds of informal consultations occurred. Housing Department officials met with Yuen Long rural leaders. They explained the adjusted target on March 12 2014 and March 17 2014. Secretary Anthony Cheung stated that no minutes were taken during these informal consultations.
Formal consultations were held on May 23 2014 and June 24 2014. The Housing Department presented the Wang Chau development plan. They presented it to the Ping Shan Rural Committee and the Yuen Long District Council. The proposal only included the 4000 flats on the green belt site.
District Council members expressed concerns. These concerns involved green belt zones traffic capacity fung shui and the living environment. Despite these concerns some supported the project. They believed it could meet public housing demand.
The Ping Shan Rural Committee and Yuen Long District Council members agreed. They agreed with the Wang Chau development plan. The District Council passed the plan for the green belt site. However many councillors criticized the government. They were not informed about the brown belt site development.
An internal government document revealed reluctance toward phases 2 and 3. It suggested the Housing Department was unlikely to proceed due to opposition.
In September 2015 eviction letters were issued. These letters targeted 200 non-indigenous villagers. They resided in Wing Ning Tsuen Fung Chi Tsuen and Yeung Uk Sun Tsuen.
In March 2016 the Development Bureau and the Transport and Housing Bureau submitted a plan. This plan was for Public Housing Development at Wang Chau.
Eddie Chu raised the Wang Chau issue during his election campaign. He questioned potential collusion in downsizing the project. Chu criticized informal discussions with rural leaders. He said that they replaced formal public consultation.
On September 10 2016 Leung Chun-ying and Eddie Chu had a phone conversation. Chu asked why the government abandoned the brownfield site project. Leung said he would instruct Paul Chan Mo-po to investigate.
The government defended the phased approach. They cited complicated issues. These issues included contamination and brownfield operations. Leung Chun-ying described the Wang Chau project as a rare opportunity.
In 2016 lawmakers demanded explanations. They urged a public consultation on the Wang Chau project.
Today the Wang Chau Public Housing site stands as a testament. It is a testament to the ongoing negotiation between development community and government.