The Secretary for Development, Mrs Carrie Lam, was today (May 5) briefed on the latest plan for the proposed Tseung Kwan O-Lam Tin Tunnel.
The briefing came during a visit to Kwun Tong District where Mrs Lam met Kwun Tong District Council on development issues of concern to Members.
Accompanied by the Chairman of Kwun Tong District Council, Mr Chan Chun-bun, and Kwun Tong District Officer, Miss Pauline Wong, Mrs Lam was briefed by the Project Manager of Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD), Mr Patrick Kwong, in Cha Kwo Ling on the proposed tunnel project.
The project is a 4.8-kilometre long dual two-lane carriageway linking Tseung Kwan O with Kowloon and the Eastern Harbour Crossing. The construction works, at an estimated cost of $7.8 billion, are expected to begin in 2012 and be completed by 2016. Mrs Lam was briefed on consultations with the Sai Kung and Kwun Tong District Councils conducted by CEDD, in particular the latter's reservations of the impact of the project on existing residents in the Cha Kwo Ling Village. She assured the KTDC Chairman that CEDD would further consult the District Council before finalising the design of the tunnel.
Mrs Lam also took the opportunity to tour two newly constructed sitting out areas in Cha Kwo Ling Village. The facilities were provided by the Kwun Tong District Council at a total cost of about $680,000 to improve the local environment.
Mrs Lam then proceeded to a vantage point at the former Kai Tak Airport runway to view the waterfront where the Kwun Tong District Council had long aspired to a promenade for the enjoyment of local residents.
During her meeting with Kwun Tong District Council, Mrs Lam took the opportunity to brief the members on the phrased development and one-off acquisition for the Kwun Tong Town Centre project as announced by the Urban Renewal Authority today. Members were generally supportive of the arrangements and they urged that every effort be made to sustain the vibrancy and vitality of the town centre throughout the redevelopment period.
Ends/Monday, May 5, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:33
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