Nod for law changes allowing small-scale harbour reclamation in Hong Kong

Legal amendments allowing small-scale reclamation in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour were passed on Wednesday with the support of most lawmakers, who called on the government to raise the public’s awareness of the changes.

The second and third readings of the Protection of the Harbour (Amendment) Bill were held in the Legislative Council on Wednesday. Lawmaker Tik Chi-yuen, who abstained from voting, argued that the changes would allow the government to vet its own proposals for reclamation.

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho said the new legislation could provide flexibility for the authorities to connect the harbourfront.

She said administrative guidelines were being prepared and were expected to be completed in the next few months.

Under the current legal framework, reclamation in the harbour is forbidden unless it is proven to have an “overriding public need” supported by “cogent and convincing materials”. The government deemed this too stringent for minor works intended to enhance the waterfront.

The Development Bureau’s proposed changes will allow small-scale reclamation of 0.8 hectares or less, including for erecting specified structures designed to enhance the harbour, such as piers, boardwalks and moorings.