New Relocation Payment A Right Step: Chu Hoi-dick

A lawmaker representing the New Territories West constituency, Chu Hoi-dick, on Friday welcomed the government's new compensation proposal for people and businesses displaced by land resumption projects, saying it is a step in the right direction.

Under the plan unveiled on Thursday, eligible households that are affected by the public projects would be given more rehousing options without having to undergo a means test.

Those who prefer cash compensation or don't meet the criteria to be rehoused would be able to get much more money than previously offered.

The pro-democracy legislator said the enhanced ex-gratia package proposed by the government is an improvement. But he said he wished the villagers affected could be given the option of being relocated into village-style housing similar to their own.

"If I can add something on this mechanism, I would like the government to consider a relocation option for villagers to retain the village-style habitat," he said.

"The reason behind this is if we have a village environment for decades, then these residents still very much hope that the village-style environment can be retained," Chu said.