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In response to media enquiries today (May 13) on reconstruction support work in Sichuan, a Government spokesman has the following response:
The reconstruction support work in Sichuan undertaken by the HKSAR Government is progressing well. For the 20 first stage reconstruction support projects, the pre-construction preparatory work has largely been completed, and are proceeding to the construction stage. Work is also on progress to complete the feasibility study reports of the second stage projects with a view to commencing the construction work as soon as possible.
No sooner had the Legislative Council (LegCo) approved a total commitment of HK$6 billion to take forward the HKSAR's reconstruction support work in Sichuan in July 2008 and February 2009, the HKSAR Government confirmed with the Sichuan Government the co-operation mechanism and project lists for the first and second stages of reconstruction work in October 2008 and March 2009 respectively. According to the requirements of Sichuan, the responsible units undertaking the reconstruction projects are required to complete the feasibility study reports of the projects concerned, which set out in detail the scale, technical and seismic resistance standards, implementation arrangements, milestones, estimated project cost and so on. Formal approval of feasibility study reports by the Sichuan Provincial Government must be obtained before the relevant tendering and construction works can proceed.
According to the Sichuan Government, of the 20 first stage projects, feasibility study reports for 18 projects have been approved by the relevant provincial authorities, and are now proceeding towards the tendering and construction stages. For the two remaining projects, the relevant feasibility studies have just been approved, and are expected to proceed towards the construction stage shortly.
Hong Kong and Sichuan confirmed the 103 projects for implementation in the second stage in March this year. The relevant lead parties in Sichuan are progressing with the preparation of the project feasibility study reports in full speed. We will work closely with the Sichuan side to follow up work in this regard to ensure that the reports will be completed timely, and to proceed with the reconstruction work at the earliest opportunities.
The Chief Executive had expressed the wish to arrange for LegCo Members to visit Sichuan again. We will follow up proactively.
Ends/Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Issued at HKT 21:00
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