Authorities clear Sai Kung campsites after prolonged occupation

Authorities have cleared two campsites in Sai Kung of tents and other belongings believed to have been set up by individuals occupying the public spaces long-term.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said in a Facebook post on Tuesday that its personnel had noticed people occupying spots at the Tai Tan Campsite and the Wan Tsai South Campsite for an extended period.

Those individuals left many items behind and were affecting “genuine campers using the spaces.”

“AFCD personnel made multiple appeals, but the situation did not improve,” the Chinese-language post read.

“Therefore, the AFCD and police took joint action [on Monday and Tuesday], ordering those who were occupying the camping spots to leave, and clearing tents and other items that were left unclaimed.”

Both the Tai Tan Campsite and Wan Tsai Campsite are located in Sai Kung West Country Park. They have facilities including barbecue pits, benches and tables, as well as toilets.

In the Facebook post, the AFCD said the campsites “are public resources intended for short-term recreation.”

“The AFCD will continue to step up patrols and monitor the usage of its campsites, taking appropriate action if similar situations arise to ensure that public facilities in country parks are properly utilised,” the department added.

‘Tip of the iceberg’

The clearance operation followed an episode of TVB’s investigative news show that covered long-term occupation at campsites in Sai Kung.

The episode’s host visited the Wong Shek Campsite in Sai Kung East Country Park, where she found tents equipped with furniture such as fans, bedding, tables and cooking equipment. One canopy tent appeared to be a makeshift bathroom, with toiletries and a rubber mat.

The host also went to the Tai Tan Campsite, where she saw similar scenes.

In both places, the host did not come across any apparent occupants, except for one woman who told the host she had been living there for about a year.

In the comments on the AFCD’s post, some netizens said the authorities should have taken action earlier, saying this behaviour has gone on for some time.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” one comment read.

Another comment read: “If not for Scoop, you civil servants wouldn’t do your job.”

The AFCD said the Tai Tan Campsite and the Wan Tsai South Campsite were temporarily closed.

It is in touch with the Social Welfare Department, which will provide necessary assistance to the people who set up the tents, the AFCD added.