Improvement to Facilities in Typhoon Shelters (2013/07/10) 

MR YIU SI-WING: President, some people in the community have reflected to me their wish of restoring the past ambience of Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter, so as to promote tourism and create new opportunities for fishermen. Will the Government consider the formulation of support policies for fishermen capable of changing their occupation, so that they can develop tourism-related businesses, such as entertainment and catering services, at the typhoon shelters in Aberdeen and Causeway Bay?

SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AND HOUSING: President, generally speaking, the main purpose of typhoon shelters is the provision of sheltered space. While we must bear in mind the need for providing sheltered space, we also need to consider safety and other relevant factors.

As for whether it is worthwhile to promote water tourism or related activities like catering services in typhoon shelters, I believe the authorities must first conduct concrete studies. If the Tourism Commission has such an idea, the MD will hold discussion with it as far as possible and find out how feasible the whole idea is.

At present, the Government has already put in place some programmes to help fishermen switch to other sustainable and fisheries-related industries, including mariculture and recreational fisheries. In addition, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has also been promoting the organization of marine-themed guided tours aiming at introducing the fishermen culture and fisheries characteristics. The Government will continue to support the sustainable development of fisheries and make every effort to dovetail with the development of water tourism.