Good morning ladies and gentlemen,
Our opponents claimed that country parks should be turned into sites for housing in Hong Kong because country parks occupy a vast area with only few people while Hong Kong is lacking residential land supply. However, may our opponents take a deeper look at the whole picture? The government is now pushing ahead with the northeast New Territories and Hung Shui Kiu new development areas and has proposed several other ways to create more land. Our side cannot see any point to sacrifice our already-limited country parks for extra land.
Out team line is that country parks should not be turned into sites for housing in Hong Kong because they benefit Hong Kong people both physically and psychologically.
First, country parks are a vital part of Hong Kong’s water supply system. 11 out of 24 country parks, totally 69 percent of the total area of 24 country parks, form a network of catchments for collecting rainwater into the reservoirs. The rainwater collected from the catchment areas significantly provide between 11 percent and 27 percent of Hong Kong’s water consumption. In the long run, Hong Kong must increase our water self-reliance. Due to rapid economic development and population increase in Guangdong, there is an increasing demand for water in the province. Hong Kong must reserve all reservoirs located in country parks so as to ensure the stable future water supply. My first speaker will further elaborate on how country parks fulfill Hong Kong’s physical need.
Second, country parks serve Hong Kong well as Hong Kong’s eternal source of energy and happiness. Recently, the Hong Kong Trail, which crosses 5 country parks on the island, was named by Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 city hikes in the world. It proves that our country parks are a world-class treasure where city folks can head for fresh air, nature and relax. In 2003, SARS struck Hong Kong heavily and led to hundreds of deaths. At that time, many Hongkongers flocked to country parks. They took off their masks and breathed freely in safe heaven away from the virus-infected city. Ladies and gentlemen, there, we get recharged. My second speaker will further elaborate on that.
Country parks are not only places for hiking and barbecues. They serve our physical and psychological needs. Therefore, today’s motion must fall. Thank you.