Sham Shui Po trail upgrades necessary, lawmaker says

A lawmaker on Tuesday expressed his support for the Home Affairs Department's plans to revitalize a popular morning walk trail in Sham Shui Po. The area, known as Mission Hill or Woh Chai Shan, gained prominence following the recent reopening of the Ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir. On Monday, the authorities announced a revitalisation scheme that would replace dilapidated private structures erected on government land, such as table tennis tables and exercise equipment. The plan also involves safety upgrades and slope maintenance works.

Residents were given until Wednesday to clear the area, with notices already posted along the trail. Kowloon West lawmaker Vincent Cheng welcomed the move, stating that about 50 illegal structures need to be addressed before proper recreational facilities can be constructed. He emphasized that residents feel the need for such amenities due to the lack of recreational facilities in the community, but acknowledged that the illegally occupied structures pose certain dangers, especially considering the recent rain and signs of soil erosion on the mountain slopes.

The government plans to complete the revitalisation in phases from the end of August to September and has invited religious leaders to assist in the removal of Buddhist statuettes in the area, promising to maintain contact with relevant stakeholders.