Govt Urged To Protect Stilt Houses In Tai O

Lawmakers have called on the government to put special protections in place for traditional stilt houses in the Lantau fishing village of Tai O.

Legislators worry that these houses could soon become a thing of the past, as they're repeatedly being damaged by typhoons, rainstorms, and fires and many of the occupants are elderly.

Development Secretary Michael Wong said the administration doesn't see the need for a new policy, and is looking to see if non-governmental organisations could help to conserve the area.

But the Democratic Party's Andrew Wan said the government should devise a comprehensive conservation policy, instead of just carrying out minor work like repairing the drainage system.

He told RTHK’s Richard Pyne that a dam should be built at the estuary of the Tai O River to protect the residents and the village's structures from flooding.

Wan said the government should also set up a conservation fund for local people to repair their homes.

As for the vacant structures, the lawmaker said the administration could consider turning them into tourist centres or restaurants.