LAND, PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES
Tin Shui Wai is becoming the next focal point after Yuen Long in the NWNT because of improvements in the transportation network. Being strategically located, Tin Shui Wai's status will be further strengthened with the increasing linkage between China and Hong Kong. It is estimated that by the end of 1997 the population of the new town will reach 150 000. With the increasing demand for land supply to meet future development, it is proposed that the Tin Shui Wai Reserve Zone will accommodate an additional population up to about 120 000. The ultimate total population will be more than 300 000.
All major infrastructural works for Tin Shui Wai Development Zone have been completed. An LRT terminus and a bus terminus north of the civic square provide convenient public transport for local residents. The North-West New Territories Sewerage Scheme, which provides for a sewage treatment plant, pumping station, nine-kilometre sewer tunnel and 3.1-kilometre submarine outfall, was commissioned in March 1993. –
Large tracts of low-lying land north and west of Yuen Long are particularly susceptible to flooding during heavy rains. A series of major flood prevention projects have been planned to solve this problem. Flood control works for the Shan Pui River and the downstream section of the Kam Tin River are in progress and works for the mid-stream section of the Kam Tin River began in October 1995.
Tseung Kwan O
The development of Tseung Kwan O new town, which started in 1982, is divided into three phases. Phase I has been substantially completed, with about 460 hectares of land being formed at Tseung Kwan O new town. Engineering infrastructure has been provided to cater for private and public housing and the associated community facilities.
Phase II is the reclamation of the town centre area, to be completed in early 2000. It will provide additional land for commercial, residential, government, institutional and community uses.
Phase III Work for the provision of land and services for the Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate is also in progress. An initial 30 hectares of land were completed in March 1995. Upon completion in 1997, an additional 65 hectares will be available for industrial development. The southern part of Siu Chik Cha is being developed for industrial use.
In preparation for further industrial development, some 100 hectares of land south of Tseung Kwan O will be developed for deep waterfront industries and potentially hazardous installations. Reclamation works started in October 1995. The population of the new town, which stood at 146 000 at the end of March 1995, will be more than 400 000 upon full development by 2010.
Islands District
Hong Kong's ninth new town is about to take shape at Tung Chung on northern Lantau Island and will provide a supporting community for the new airport at nearby Chek Lap Kok. The new town will be developed on about 760 hectares of land and will be designed to modern international standards incorporating residential, industrial and commercial facilities and all the necessary supporting infrastructure.
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