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Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Frederick Ma, at a press conference on the Ngong Ping Skyrail dislodgement incident today (September 18):
I would like to say a few words in English. After June 11, the Government appointed an Expert Panel to investigate the falling of a cabin of Ngong Ping 360. The Expert Panel was led by two renowned international experts of cable car systems. The panel has completed its investigation.
In parallel, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) has completed a criminal investigation under the Aerial Ropeways (Safety) Ordinance.
After the investigation by EMSD, the Department of Justice has initiated prosecution against a person in Skyrail who appears to have contravened the Ordinance. Following the advice by the Department of Justice, the case is now a matter for the court. The Government is therefore not in a position to discuss the case or release any information in relation to the cause of the incident. Relevant parts of the report of the Expert Panel have thus been withheld from publication.
That said, the Expert Panel has confirmed that the design of the cable car system is safe and the existing regulatory regime is in line with international practices.
In light of the Expert Panel's recommendations, the Government has urged the MTRC, as owner of the ropeway, to implement a series of improvement measures to upgrade the management, operation and maintenance of the cable car system. I will invite Dr Ch'ien, Chairman of the MTRC, to introduce the improvement measures to you in a moment.
Specifically, the MTRC has informed the Government that it will form a new subsidiary company with an international professional management team to take over the management and operation of the cable car system from Skyrail.
I must emphasise that safety is always our top priority. The Government will continue to impress upon the MTRC the importance of ensuring the provision of a safe and reliable cable car service to the public.
The MTRC has to complete satisfactorily the improvement measures before it applies to EMSD for necessary approvals.
The Government fully understands the difficulties faced by the MTRC's tenants at the Ngong Ping Village during cable car suspension. I have already urged the MTRC to continue to liaise closely with its tenants and assist them during this difficult period.
Ends/Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:10
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