'Use Temporary Waiver To Utilise Disneyland Area'

Democratic Party lawmaker Andrew Wan on Friday again called for using a piece of land next to Hong Kong Disneyland for housing, saying the government should allow a temporary change in its contract obligation with the theme park operator.

The government has ruled out using the area for housing, citing a contract signed in 1999 that stipulates the area can be used only for purposes that are compatible with Hong Kong Disneyland's activities.

But Wan said he thinks putting temporary houses there will not violate this provision if the government can make a provisional change in the agreement.

"According to the land deed, it can not be a residential area. Yes, we know that. We are talking about a provisional change in land use, and that is allowed," he said. He said whoever is given the task of erecting the houses can apply for a land waiver and then use that 60 hectare plot.

The government announced last week that the area will be used as a temporary flower garden to help promote tourism. Wan called it a waste, and said the government should tackle the major problem first, which is housing.

Wan told RTHK's Wong Yin-ting that the authorities should also make clear how much of the area the flower garden will take up and what is the plan for the rest of the site.