Several Ilha Verde residents yesterday urged the government to take concrete steps towards the conservation of Colina da Ilha Verde (“Green Island Hill”) and the restoration of Casa de Retiros da Ilha Verde (“House of Retreats of Green Light”).
The group gathered at Government Headquarters yesterday at 11 a.m. to submit their petition to Chief Executive Sam Ho Fai, expressing frustration over the perceived lack of progress on long-promised initiatives, including plans to develop Colina da Ilha Verde into a municipal park, which have yet to get off the ground.
The group called on the government to refine and expedite the implementation of the urban renewal plan for Ilha Verde, highlighting their recent concerns, including a fire at a construction site in the district.
Although the fire was quickly extinguished, no subsequent fire prevention measures have been introduced, the group said in its petition, adding that the accumulation of abandoned vehicles in the area poses a potential fire hazard if not properly managed.
In addition to fire safety concerns, the group also raised issues regarding the deteriorating condition of Colina da Ilha Verde, where ancient trees on the hill are reportedly being destroyed by termites, leading to a decline in their numbers.
Furthermore, signs of landslides have been observed on certain slopes, raising fears for public safety, and the group urged the government to strengthen fire safety measures and prioritise the conservation of Colina da Ilha Verde to protect both the environment and the community.
The group also said that the impact of the government-ordered visual corridor on the southern side of Colina da Ilha Verde has restricted the maximum allowable building height in the area, which has particularly affected Fok Tak San Chuen, a neighbourhood with several five-story tenement buildings that lack lifts.
Under current regulations, any future redevelopment of these ageing structures would require reducing the number of floors, making it impossible to install lifts, according to the group, adding that especially the elderly are concerned about the lack of specific relocation plans and the potential decline in their quality of life.
Therefore, the group petitioned the government to relax the area’s height restrictions, allowing buildings to be reconstructed with seven or more floors so that lifts can be installed, thereby improving accessibility for older residents.
Several Ilha Verde residents hand a petition addressed to the Chief Executive to an official (third from left) in front of Government Headquarters yesterday. – Photo: Ginnie Liang
