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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Development, Mr Paul Chan, at a media session during his visit to Kwu Tung North today (November 17):
Reporter: ... After listening to the demonstrators' views, will there be any change on the government's decision?
Secretary for Development: The purpose of this visit is to get in touch with those affected and take a hard look at the circumstances and surroundings. We have received many suggestions. As I said before, we have to consolidate all these suggestions and then reflect further on what can be done to help them more. As you know the NENT NDAs (North East New Territories New Development Areas) are going to provide over 60 000 residential units and over 37 000 employment opportunities. The area that we visited this morning happens to be around the area of the future railway station. From a planning standpoint, it is only natural that this vicinity should be developed into high-density development, be it for residential, commercial or social service facilities. We will take a careful consideration of the views suggested. But our hands, to a certain extent, are constrained.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Sunday, November 17, 2013
Issued at HKT 22:09
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