BUZZ reported earlier that Agricultural and Fisheries Department (AFCD) cleared Wong Shek campsite in Sai Kung Country Park after discovering that it had been occupied by long term ” campers”, or squatters as we dubbed them. Yesterday (7/7) AFCD were back in action clearing two more Sai Kung campsites, and announced they were stepping up their enforcements actions.
The Department, in conjunction with the police, conducted a two-day joint operation to forcibly clear the Tai Tan and Wan Chai South campsites, both is Sai Kung, demanding that those occupying campsites for extended periods leave and removing all unclaimed tents and a large amount of debris. Currently, both campsites are temporarily closed for site maintenance. Along with the Wong Shek campsite, which was closed due to the same issue, as we reported, three popular campsites in Sai Kung have now been forced to temporarily close due to long-term occupation.
AFCD stated on its social media page that during recent inspections of the Tai Tan and Wan Chai South campsites, its staff discovered that some individuals were occupying campsites for extended periods and leaving numerous personal belongings on site, severely impacting the use of the facilities by other members of the public who genuinely wish to enjoy camping. Although AFCD staff had previously issued multiple warnings, the attitudes of these individuals and the situation on site have not improved.
Considering the potential livelihood or housing difficulties faced by some long-term campers, the AFCD revealed that it has contacted the Social Welfare Department to provide feasible social welfare and resettlement assistance to those in need.
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