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Following is a question by the Hon Lee Wing-tat and a written reply by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Gordon Siu, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
QuestionĦJ
Regarding the relocation of the shipyards at northern Tsing Yi, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the date fixed for relocating the shipyards;
(b) of the uses of the vacated sites upon the relocation of the shipyards; and
(c) whether it has any plans to carry out reclamation in the waters off the shipyard sites after the relocation; if so, of the precautionary measures it will take to avoid the reclamation works causing nuisances to the residents nearby?
Reply :
Madam President,
(a) The relocation of the shipyards in North Tsing Yi started on 2 November 1999 upon which the shipyard operators concerned were required to vacate the sites. As some shipyard operators need more time to remove their heavy machinery and equipment, they have been allowed a month's grace period to move out.
(b) The vacated sites together with the adjoining land to be formed by reclamation will be used for the provision of district open space and government/institution/community facilities in accordance with the Tsing Yi Outline Zoning Plan.
(c) Having taken back the vacated shipyard sites, the Government will conduct a land contamination study at the sites and demolish the structures left thereon. The Government contractor will then carry out reclamation works in the waters off the shipyard sites in 2001. The contractor is required to employ environmental consultants to carry out environmental monitoring and audit work. This will ensure that the reclamation works will comply with the provisions of various ordinances on environmental protection and to reduce any unfavourable impact on the environment and residents nearby. During the works period, the contractor will implement appropriate environmental mitigation measures, including the use of quieter equipment, maximizing the use of marine access for delivering materials and minimizing the use of the nearby roads by construction trucks during peak hours so as to reduce any adverse traffic impact.
End/Wednesday, November 10, 1999
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