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More information on Hong Kong Stadium
In response to the three specific points raised by the Commissioner for Administrative Complaints in his investigation report on the noise nuisance at the Hong Kong Stadium this (Wednesday) morning, the Secretary for Recreation and Culture, Mr James So, gave the following-additional information:
HK Stadium as a Government project
Although the reconstruction of the Stadium was regarded as a Government project, it was quite different from other normal Government projects under the Public Works Programme. Quite apart from being financed by private funds, the design, construction and project management aspects were all handled by the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club (RHKJC). Comparison with other Government projects is
therefore not entirely appropriate.
In this particular case, it would be excessive to view the Recreation and Culture Branch (RCB) as the client for the redevelopment of the stadium. It must be stressed that the primary function of the RCB, being the policy branch for sports, was to see that the project received the necessary Government support to ensure its timely completion. Thus, RCB was more a co-ordinator than a client.
Inadequate attention to the noise issue
It would be unfair to suggest that the key players in the project gave inadequate attention to the noise issue and that the arrangements adopted to tackle the problem were vaguely defined. Both the Government and the RHKJC recognised the importance of environmental issues at the outset. An Environmental Noise Abatement report was produced in February 1992, eight months after the announcement of the project. Views were then given by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) on the report. Subsequent discussions were held among the consultants, the Urban Services Department, the Architectural Services Department and the EPD to work out a solution to the concern expressed by the EPD).
The work continued with the appointment of Wembley as the Stadium Manager. A second Environmental Noise Abatement report was produced in December 1993. Various measures were proposed and the possibility of seeking a waiver from the provisions of the Noise Control Ordinance was also explored. A search for a satisfactory solution is continuing and the Government is confident that a resolution will be found.
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