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landing site of the 2nd Ap Lei Chau Bridge at the Aberdeen Waterfront in respect of one of the options (Alignment No. 5) might affect the Council's recreational development in the same area, and if so whether consideration has been given to requesting the Government to choose another site so that the disruption can be avoided.
The 2nd Ap Lei Chau Bridge was the subject of a consultancy study commissioned by the Highways Department. The study was completed in April 1989. In the report of the study, a total of 10 possible alignments for the new bridge are identified and among them, two possible alignments i.e. Alignment No. 5 and Alignment No. 9 will have implications over Urban Council facilities.
Indications of the proposed routing show that Alignment No. 5 will affect half of the basketball court at the newly completed Aberdeen Promenade while only some small roadside amenity areas would be affected by Alignment No. 9. The Consultants have concluded in the report that, having regard to all relevant factors, Alignment No. 9 represents the optimum location for the Second Ap Lei Chau Bridge.
The Department has expressed concern to the Highways Department on the effects of the proposed Alignment No. 5 on the Aberdeen Promenade, and that reprovisioning by Government at Government's cost would be required if this were allowed to happen. The Department has also indicated preference for Alignment No. 9.
No decision has been taken on the alignment for the second Ap Lei Chau Bridge as yet. It is understood that the matter will be considered by the Transport Policy Co-ordinating Committee under the chairmanship of the Secretary for Transport, in June 1990. The Council will be formally consulted if the alignment adopted is likely to have any implications on Council facilities.
MR. JOSEPH Y. S. CHAN (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, even though the alignment for the second Ap Lei Chau Bridge has not been decided yet but as far as I know on the 29 March 1990, the Southern District Board has already indicated their preference. They have shown preference for Alignment No. 5. According to the reply given by Mr. Peter CHAN, this will affect quite a large part of the Aberdeen Promenade, i.e. half of the basketball court. Even though it is said that the Government will pay for reprovisioning of facilities, yet the followings need our careful consideration. We have only built the facilities for about one year and if they have to be demolished, so wouldn't that be a waste of resources? Secondly, if we only have half a basketball court, how can people play basketball there? How can we meet the demand of citizen for a complete basketball court? If we do have a full basketball court in the future, it will probably be built along right next to a busy road, so the health of the players may be affected because of the air pollution there. My third point is: the noise pollution from the vehicles affect the health of people using the area. My last point is: before the decision is taken by the Transport Policy Co-ordinating Committee, could we make our views and concerns known so that our facilities would not be affected?
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MR. PETER C. K. CHAN (in Cantonese): Very often, we have a lot of misunderstanding regarding procedures. The District Board cannot make a decision and they are only making a suggestion. They are showing a preference for Alignment No. 5. As I said in my reply, the decision will be made by the Transport Policy Co-ordinating Committee. So we have to wait for the decision before we voice our views. Since this question has been raised to-day and when the Transport Policy Co-ordinating Committee is to consider whether they would alienate half of our basketball court, then probably they will have to consider reprovisioning for the facilities as well. But when we look at the overall situation, is the second Ap Lei Chau Bridge or the basketball court important? This is the question that I am sure that the general public may have their views. Of course, we would not like to see half of the basketball court being alienated, but it is a different matter whether the residents of Ap Lei Chau need a second Ap Lei Chau Bridge. Regarding noise pollution when people are playing basketball, will this really affect their health? Well, if people want to play basketball, they would do so. If they don't play basketball, they might be even more unhealthy.
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MR. JOSEPH Y. S. CHAN (in Cantonese):—Sir, I don't think Mr. Peter CHAN has fully answered my question. Could his Committee take this issue up because in June, the Transport Policy Co-ordinating Committee will be making a decision. Perhaps the Recreation Select Committee can take up the issue and monitor the situation more closely and make recommendations to the Government so that the Council's facilities will not be affected.
MR. PETER C. K. CHAN (in Cantonese):—The information is that in June, the issue will be considered by the Transport Policy Co-ordinating committee and then they will consult us if they adopt Alignment No. 5 or Alignment No. 9. As far as I know, we have not yet been consulted. When they do consult us, we will definitely be considering the issue. Our Recreation Select Committee has 21 members and even if I have negligence on my part, I am sure my colleagues will remind me of this issue.
MR. B. A. BERNACCHI (in English):—I too am worried by the last sentence 'The Council will be formally consulted if the alignment adopted is likely to have any implications on Council facilities.'. Surely, the Council can be and should be consulted before any of the ten alignments is adopted.
MR. PETER C. K. CHAN (in English):—What I understand from the reply is that if they use Alignment No. 5 or No. 9, they have to consult us but if they use 1 to 4, 6, 7, 8 or 10, if it doesn't affect us, they need not consult us. That is what I understand. So far, they have not consulted us. I just understand from Mr. Joseph CHAN that the DB decided to use Alignment No. 5 but they are only consulted then they suggest that they use No. 5. I suppose the paper will be on the way to consult us if they decide to use 5 or 9 otherwise they don't have to consult us.
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