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In response to the press enquiry today (May 28) on the construction works of the landscaped piazza at Ngong Ping, the following is the Government¡¦s reply:
The Government intends to entrust the Mass Transit Railways Limited (MTRCL) with the construction works of the landscaped piazza at Ngong Ping. There is established due process of implementing Government works through entrustment which has been adopted for a long time. The entrustment of the relevant construction works this time follows the established due process.
The advantages of entrusting MTRCL with the construction of the above piazza are ¡V
a) The piazza area will remain open to the public throughout the construction period. This will involve a phased approach to ensure smooth pedestrian flow. Being both the Ngong Ping Skyrail franchisee and the entrustee for the construction of the landscaped piazza, MTRCL is best placed to ensure the delivery of the project works with minimum inconvenience to the public.
b) Entrusting the works to MTRCL can save about 12 months¡¦ time in construction when compared with the Government implementing the project.
c) The entrustment of the design and implementation of the project to MTRCL will ensure consistency and harmony in design of the Ngong Ping Village and other facilities.
We will further explain the above in detail to the Legislative Council.
Ends/Monday, May 28, 2007
Issued at HKT 21:27
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