The Government today (June 19) published a notice in the Gazette according to the Foreshore and Sea-bed (Reclamations) Ordinance to specify the extent of the area of foreshore and sea-bed affected by the installation works of a submarine optical fibre cable.

     The proposed works, involving the installation of a submarine cable of approximately 37.4 kilometres in length and 40 millimetres in diameter from Chung Hom Kok to the eastern boundary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, were applied and are to be conducted by a commercial enterprise. The proposed submarine cable is a section of the H2H Express submarine optical fibre cable system, which is over 680km in length in total. The system will further boost the external telecommunications capacity of Hong Kong, reinforcing Hong Kong as a key communication hub in Asia.

     The proposed works will involve installation of a submarine optical fibre cable by using jetting technique in deeper waters, and directly by divers in near-shore waters within an area of approximately 1.17 hectares of foreshore and sea-bed. The major part of the submarine optical fibre cable will be buried in a trench of approximately 0.3 metres in width, at a target installation depth of approximately 5m below the sea-bed.

     The proposed works are scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year for completion in about two months.

     The notice and its related plan are posted near the site. The plan is also available for inspection at:
 
* Survey and Mapping Office of the Lands Department (23/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong), where copies can be purchased on order;
 
* Southern Home Affairs Enquiry Centre of the Southern District Office (G/F, Ocean Court, 3 Aberdeen Praya Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong);
 
* Islands District Office (20/F, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong);
 
* Sai Kung Home Affairs Enquiry Centre of the Sai Kung District Office (G/F, Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex, 38 Pui Shing Road, Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories); and
 
* Lands Department's website (www.landsd.gov.hk) under Government Notices.

     Any person who considers that he or she has an interest, right or easement in or over the foreshore and sea-bed involved may submit a written objection to the Director of Lands, 20/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road,  North  Point,  Hong  Kong,  within  two  months  from  the above-mentioned  date,  i.e.  on or  before August 19. The notice of such objection shall describe the interest, right or easement of the objector and the manner in which he or she will be allegedly affected.

Ends/Friday, June 19, 2020
Issued at HKT 11:00

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