To Kwa Wan Councillors Warn Against Protest Rally

DAB district councillors in To Kwa Wan are calling on protesters not to press ahead with a July 27 rally there, saying some residents have already expressed concern that the event could lead to violence.

Protesters have called for a mass rally in To Kwa Wan to highlight problems linked to an influx of tourists in the residential area.

The area has been flooded with low-cost tours from the mainland for visitors to shop and dine there since the Zhuhai-Macau bridge opened and many residents complain that their lives have been disrupted.

One of the district councillors, DAB chairwoman and lawmaker Starry Lee, said some districts are not suited to mass rallies as the roads are narrow and congested.

"If any conflict is expected, they have to think whether that place is an appropriate place or not," Lee said.

"This morning we have come across a lot of residents who do have worries about that procession," the lawmaker said.

Lee said she respects freedom of assembly and demonstrations, but protests should stop for a while to let Hong Kong "have some kind of peace".

The pro-government councillors said the authorities should implement measures to reduce the impact of the large number of visitors to the area and divert visitors to other places.

They also suggested steps like implementing a no-coach zone for main roads and streets which have seen a rise in accidents, and a ban on sightseeing boat tours using a promenade area frequented by local residents with the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal used instead.