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NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT
The story of Hong Kong has been one of enter- prise and growth; of obstacles overcome and achievements forged from adversity.
But no chapter in Hong Kong's story has been more stirring, and no obstacle attacked with more determination than the continuing problem of providing homes for the millions who have swollen its population in the past generation. The task of providing new, modern homes for its people, in carefully-planned new towns with adequate local job opportunities, and a full range of community facilities has been almost unrivalled in its scope, planning and implementation.
Hong Kong has also a difficult topography. Suit- able land for development is scarce. In fact, land has to be won by carving into steep hills and by large- scale reclamation from the sea. To achieve its objective of building six new towns (Fanling, Sha Tin, Tai Po, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun and Yuen Long) and a number of rural community centres, the government has had to look to the New Territories and set up a new department.
The New Territories Development Department was formed in 1973 within the Public Works De- partment with the responsibility of planning these towns and centres, and providing formed land, roads, drainage and the full range of infrastructure required.
The department is staffed with multi-disciplinary teams of engineers, town planners and architects. Since work began in the early seventies on planning the overall strategy of development of these towns much has been done. Following detailed planning and engineering feasibility studies, engineering design got under way followed by construction on site which is now in full swing. By the end of the eighties when all the towns are fully developed they are planned to have a combined population of 2.5 million people.
New Territories Development Department PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, HONG KONG
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