HK$7 million observation deck on Po Pin Chau, Sai Kung, in the geopark, raises concerns about the excessive number of tourists and safety risks

The government held a competition to design the Po Pin Chau viewing platform and related mountain trails in Sai Kung in 2021 Photo: From competition website

The construction of an observation deck on Po Pin Chau, Sai Kung is causing controversy. Recently, some hikers discovered that the deck is under construction at the top of Fa Shan. They are worried that it will not be in harmony with the surrounding environment. Environmentalists are worried that after the completion of the observation deck, it will attract a large number of tourists to climb the mountain, overloading the bearing capacity of the place.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department confirmed that the relevant project will be completed by the end of the year, with a budget of about HK$7 million. It emphasised that the cross-shaped cement structure and triangulation station that are “check-in” elements on the summit will not be removed or obscured.

Located within the Geopark, Po Pin Chau opposite the East Dam of High Island Reservoir has hexagonal stone pillars and cross-shaped cement structures, making it a popular spot for citizens and tourists. The headland on the east side of Fa Shan overlooks the entire Po Pin Chau and attracts many tourists.

Po Pin Chau, opposite the East Dam, High Island Reservoir, Sai Kung

Recently, a notice from the AFCD circulated on the Internet, indicating that the construction of the Po Pin Chau Observation Deck started on 6 May. Part of the area leading to the overlooking Po Pin Chau will need to be enclosed in stages. The public is urged not to enter the enclosed area to avoid danger. In response to media inquiries, the AFCD pointed out that the headland east of Fa Shan has become a hotspot for overlooking the scenery of Po Pin Chau in recent years. However, many tourists have opened their own paths, destroying the vegetation around the headland, and soil erosion has become increasingly obvious.

The Department held a design competition in 2021. Later, the Department commissioned the Architectural Services Department to formulate an architectural plan and project budget for the construction of the viewing platform and related trail facilities based on the design concept of the winning entry and the on-site conditions. The cost is approximately HK$7 million and the project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

An AFCD spokesman added that while building hiking trails, the department will also add facilities such as fenced viewing platforms, viewing points and information boards at suitable locations to control soil erosion, protect vegetation and improve visitor safety. The information board located at the trail entrance will provide hiking information, such as the overall difficulty of the trail and nearby hiking routes.

However, a spokesman for The Green Earth, pointed out that because part of the hiking trail leading to overlooking Po Pin Chau is steep and located on the edge of a cliff, it is difficult. Currently, there are not too many people there, but they are worried about the observation deck project. After completion, it will attract a large number of tourists and even tour groups to “check in”, which increased safety risks. They described the route as having inherent limitations. In addition, the hexagonal stone pillars were severely weathered and the bearing capacity was limited. They believed that the project could not solve the safety problem.

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