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Saturday, Feb 22, 2025
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Time runs out for last sawmill
The city's last sawmill was shut down by development authorities yesterday even as the operator has yet to vacate the premises, leaving 700 tonnes of wood and machinery unattended.
The Lands Department had earlier set a deadline for Chi Kee Sawmill & Timber to move by September 13, but director Wong Hung-kuen said he needed more time to properly dispose of the remaining timber.
"We have to and can only accept it one way or another, but I wish there is still room for negotiation regarding the disposal of the timber and machinery," Wong said.
Officials from the Lands Department and the Agriculture and Fisheries and Conservation Department, accompanied by police officers, arrived at the sawmill in Sheung Shui at 8am yesterday.
The 75-year-old sawmill was sealed off, with Wong unable to retrieve his belongings after he was denied entry. He said he was notified at 7am of the shutdown and arrived at the sawmill to find 50 to 60 workers cordoning off the factory.
Utilities at the premises were cut off.
"The government said they have already given us 2 1/2 years to dispose of the timber," Wong said.
He said that Covid-19 had left the factory to crumble, making it harder for him to dispose of the large piles of wood.
"We don't intend to be in the government's way in developing the Northern Metropolis. We only want some more time," he added.
It is understood that around 700 tonnes of timber and old machinery in the factory will be delivered to recycling company Y PARK in Tuen Mun.
Secretary for Development, Bernadette Linn Hon-ho said earlier this month they had notified Chi Kee Sawmill & Timber a few years ago that they will need to leave to give way to the Northern metropolis development.
The northern and central part of New Territories will be developed into an IT hub that could provide thousands of jobs and homes to the densely populated city. She said the government has offered HK$14 million land compensation.
Chi Kee Sawmill & Timber was originally ordered to move last year, but the deadline was extended twice.
The woodworking mill, set up in 1947, was the last in operation in Hong Kong. With imported furniture becoming mainstream, most sawmills either closed or relocated to the mainland. Chi Kee Sawmill & Timber had managed to survive until they were asked to vacate due to rapid urbanization.
"We have to and can only accept it one way or another, but I wish there is still room for negotiation regarding the disposal of the timber and machinery," Wong said.
Officials from the Lands Department and the Agriculture and Fisheries and Conservation Department, accompanied by police officers, arrived at the sawmill in Sheung Shui at 8am yesterday.
The 75-year-old sawmill was sealed off, with Wong unable to retrieve his belongings after he was denied entry. He said he was notified at 7am of the shutdown and arrived at the sawmill to find 50 to 60 workers cordoning off the factory.
Utilities at the premises were cut off.
"The government said they have already given us 2 1/2 years to dispose of the timber," Wong said.
He said that Covid-19 had left the factory to crumble, making it harder for him to dispose of the large piles of wood.
"We don't intend to be in the government's way in developing the Northern Metropolis. We only want some more time," he added.
It is understood that around 700 tonnes of timber and old machinery in the factory will be delivered to recycling company Y PARK in Tuen Mun.
Secretary for Development, Bernadette Linn Hon-ho said earlier this month they had notified Chi Kee Sawmill & Timber a few years ago that they will need to leave to give way to the Northern metropolis development.
The northern and central part of New Territories will be developed into an IT hub that could provide thousands of jobs and homes to the densely populated city. She said the government has offered HK$14 million land compensation.
Chi Kee Sawmill & Timber was originally ordered to move last year, but the deadline was extended twice.
The woodworking mill, set up in 1947, was the last in operation in Hong Kong. With imported furniture becoming mainstream, most sawmills either closed or relocated to the mainland. Chi Kee Sawmill & Timber had managed to survive until they were asked to vacate due to rapid urbanization.
