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The Secretary for Transport and Housing, Ms Eva Cheng, inspected the restoration works this morning (June 13) on a section of Keung Shan Road near Shum Wat Road on Lantau Island which had been damaged by the heavy rainstorm last Saturday.
She was briefed by the Director of Highways, Mr Wai Chi-sing, on the progress of the works.
Ms Cheng inspected the restoration works being made to the damaged road section and the stabilising and protection works on the slopes on the road side.
She noted that if the restoration works progressed smoothly, the damaged road section could be reopened for one lane two-way traffic for limited periods as scheduled, on the condition that the traffic would not affect the remaining works and would not compromise safety.
Mr Wai explained that that section of the road could only be partially re-opened as the overall works progress had to be taken into consideration.
He said that the damaged area was extensive and much time would be needed for full restoration. The contractor has been sparing no effort to complete the works as soon as possible. Work is in progress round the clock as long as the conditions are safe for the workers.
The Secretary for Transport and Housing, Ms Eva Cheng, said that the Government was fully aware that the normal life of Tai O residents was seriously affected by the downpour last Saturday. On the transport front, the residents could not travel to and from Tai O by road as Keung Shan Road was closed due to the landslide.
"The Highways Department has urged the contractor to speed up the repair works. Special ferry services have also been arranged to facilitate the residents," she said.
Other than normal sailings, there are 14 and 17 additional ferry sailings between Tai O and Tung Chung from Mondays to Saturdays as well as on Sundays and public holidays respectively. The first sailing is at 5.30am departing from Tai O and the last one is at 11.30pm departing from Tung Chung.
Ms Cheng said although the extra sailings at 5.30am were only used by a few passengers, the service would be maintained for the convenience of Tai O residents.
On bus services, besides the three existing routes, two special feeder services, i.e. New Lantao Bus route 37 and Long Win Bus S64P to carry ferry passengers from Tung Chung Ferry Pier to Tung Chung MTR station, were also provided.
"The provision of these special services is to cater for the needs of the Tai O residents. We have reached a consensus with the relevant transport operators to continue to provide special services prior to the full reopening of road," Ms Cheng said.
A spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau extended an apology to media representatives who turned up to join the site inspection which was cancelled due to the thunderstorm warning issued at 8.50am by the Hong Kong Observatory.
Ends/Friday, June 13, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:13
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