New Territories land plan crucial: HK chief executive

C is one of the Hong Kong government's essential long-term measures to increase land supply and resolve Hong Kong's housing shortage, CY Leung, chief executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said here Tuesday.

Speaking to the media before the Executive Council meeting this morning, Leung said the government will provide appropriate compensation and assistance to local residents affected by the plan.

He noted that the government had widely consulted with the community in the past three years and had listened to all views, and it will not withdraw the funding application for the plan now before the Legislative Council (LegCo).

He hoped the plan can be implemented as soon as possible, as it will take at least nine years to complete the first batch of flats in the area.

Hundreds of protesters attended a demonstration held outside the LegCo Complex, calling for withdraw of the plan last Friday when the LegCo Finance Committee members were discussing the 340 million HK dollars (43.87 million U.S. dollars) funding involving the plan.

Some of the protesters tried to enter the complex and clashed with the Police. Committee chairman Ng Leung-sing ended the meeting due to security reasons. More than 20 people were arrested in the violence.

Leung said protesters' complaints against Police at the LegCo last Friday will be handled according to existing procedures.