"Government is planning to merge the Civil Engineering Department (CED) and the Territory Development Department (TDD)," a spokesman for the Environment, Transport and Works Bureau (ETWB) announced today (July 11).
"Details of the implementation plan are currently being actively developed with a view to implementing the amalgamation proposal in 2004," the spokesman said.
He stressed, "Government fully appreciates the professional competency and achievements of the two Departments over the years."
"The first two generations of new town development programmes are substantially completed. Having reviewed the duties, functions and workload of Works Departments and the pattern of the development of Hong Kong in the coming years, Government considers it appropriate to merge the two Departments into a new Department to meet the future development needs of Hong Kong," the spokesman explained.
"The merger will bring about synergetic effects by pooling the expertise of the two Departments. It also offers opportunities for significant savings, particular at senior and managerial levels, to be achieved as a result of the integration of administrative and support functions of the two Departments," he said.
"The total savings arising from the proposed amalgamation is estimated to be about $52M per annum," the spokesman noted.
He added that it was expected that a total of 66 posts could be deleted as a result of the amalgamation of the two Departments. Some 62 of the posts would be deleted immediately upon the establishment of the new Department and the remaining four within three years after amalgamation.
"We expect the surplus staff arising from the proposed merger to be fully absorbed through natural wastage, the Second Voluntary Retirement Scheme and redeployment within Government," the spokesman said.
"Staff will benefit from a larger pool of resources available which open up opportunities for training and professional development in a merged and larger department. They will be fully consulted on the staff arrangements and other issues of concern to them. We will also keep them closely informed of developments," he added.
"The industry will also benefit from the proposed merger as the merged Department will be more integrated and streamlined in its organization structure in delivering its services", the spokesman supplemented.
End/Friday, July 11, 2003
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