Intra Asia submarine cable system proposed
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     The Government intends to allow Tata Communications (Hong Kong) Limited to lay a section of a proposed intra Asia telecommunications submarine cable system of about 40 kilometres in length within an area of approximately two hectares of foreshore and sea-bed situated between Deep Water Bay to the offshore southeast waters extending up to the eastern boundary of Hong Kong waters.   This is for the purpose of providing telecommunications services to East Asian countries and regions, including Hong Kong, Vietnam, Philippines, Singapore and Japan.

     The proposed works will include primarily installation of optical fibre submarine cable system by simultaneous plough-burial and jetting operations.  Both operations will bury the submarine cable circuit in a narrow trench of approximately 0.5 of a metre in width to a depth of up to approximately five metres.

     The work is scheduled to begin in March 2009 for completion by April 2009.

     The extent of the area affected is described in a notice gazetted today (December 19).  The notice and its related plan have been posted near the site.  The plan can also be seen at the Lands Department Survey and Mapping Office, 23rd Floor, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point (where copies can be purchased on order); the Southern District Officeˇ¦s Public Enquiry Service Centre, Ground Floor, Ocean Court, 3 Aberdeen Praya Road, Aberdeen; the Islands District Office, 20th Floor, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central and the Sai Kung District Office, second floor, Sai Kung Government Offices Building, 34 Chan Man Street, Sai Kung.

     Any person who has an interest, right or easement in or over the foreshore and sea-bed involved may write to the Director of Lands, 20th Floor, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point by February 19, 2009.

Ends/Friday, December 19, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:00

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