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Everyday road users of Hoi Bun Road and passers-by in Kwun Tong may not be aware of the beautiful scenery nearby as a two-metre-high, 200-metre-long wall has been blocking the seaview.
Thanks to the District Councils' District Minor Works (DMW) programme, local residents will soon have an unrestricted, panoramic view of Victoria Harbour after the completion of works to demolish the wall and to beautify the adjacent area, as well as a government plan to develop the first section of Kwun Tong waterfront promenade.
The DMW programme aims to improve the facilities, living environment and hygiene conditions in districts.
The Acting Director of Home Affairs, Miss Adeline Wong, said, "A total of $300 million has been allocated for 18 District Councils to implement DMW projects in 2008-09. Since the launch of the programme, the councils have been very supportive.
"This waterfront minor works project is an example of the concerted efforts of various government departments to plan and implement the project within a short period of time. The project - from discussion, design and vetting to tendering - was launched within three months.
"After the dismantling of the wall and the levelling of adjacent government land, open space along the waterfront will be increased. People will be able to enjoy a more comfortable environment and an impeccable view of Victoria Harbour," she added.
Kwun Tong District Council Chairman, Mr Chan Chung-bun; Kwun Tong District Officer, Miss Pauline Wong; Kwun Tong District Council Vice-chairlady, Ms So Lai-chun; Kwun Tong District Council's Finance and Administration Committee Chairlady, Ms Leung Fu-wing ; Kwun Tong District Council's District Facilities Management Committee Chairman, Mr Poon Chung-yuen; District Facilities Management Committee Vice-chairman, Mr Henry Lim; Kwun Tong District Council's District Works Task Force Chairman, Mr Fung Kam-chiu; District Works Task Force Vice-chairman, Mr Patrick Lai Shu-ho; and Kwun Tong District Council Member, Mr Nelson Chan Wah-yu, officiated at a ceremony to launch the works project today (March 31).
Works will involve dismantling the wall and beautifying the adjacent vacant government land to develop it into open space. The project, costing $3 million, is expected to finish by the end of this year.
The project coincides with the development plan for the first section of the Kwun Tong Waterfront Promenade, as part of the scheme for the "Development and Beautification of Kwun Tong Waterfront Promenade" being carried out by the Civil Engineering and Development Department. It also ties in with the policy to make good use of vacant government land.
The wall dismantling works were first proposed last November. To speed up the project, the District Council convened a special meeting to approve funding last December. The council approved funds again in January to bring forward the beautification of the nearby vacant land.
Ends/Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:31
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