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The Government published in the Gazette today (September 12) under section 7 of the Railways Ordinance proposed amendments to the West Island Line (WIL) scheme.
The WIL scheme gazetted in October 2007 involves the extension of the existing MTR Island Line from Sheung Wan to Kennedy Town with two intermediate stations at Sai Ying Pun and the University of Hong Kong. The WIL will enable residents in Western District to have direct access to the MTR network and enjoy faster and more convenient public transport service.
"The proposed amendments, including changing the size of the proposed temporary works sites and the temporary underground construction accesses, are made to accommodate the latest changes proposed by MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) which has been carrying out the detailed design of the WIL," a Government spokesman said.
The Government and the MTRCL will continue to engage the local community closely on the WIL. Subject to the authorisation of the WIL scheme by the Chief Executive in Council, the MTRCL will start the construction works in 2009 for completion in 2013/2014.
Under the Railways Ordinance, members of the public have the right to lodge objections to the amendments to the WIL scheme gazetted today from now until November 11, 2008. Any person who has a compensatable interest may be eligible to claim compensation under the Railways Ordinance.
The amendments to the scheme and the relevant plans are available for public inspection at the Central and Western District Office and the District Lands Office/Hong Kong West and South during office hours.
A copy of the Amendments to Scheme and the Amendment Plans may be purchased from the Railway Development Office of the Highways Department. Enquiries on purchasing details can be made to the Highways Department on 2762 3976. The electronic version of the Amendments to Scheme and the Amendment Plans are viewable on the Highways Department's website (www.hyd.gov.hk/eng/major/road/rail/index.htm).
Further enquiries regarding the amendments to the scheme can be addressed to the Highways Department on 2762 4032 or to the Transport and Housing Bureau on 2189 2133 during office hours.
Ends/Friday, September 12, 2008
Issued at HKT 11:01
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