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$4B Tai Wai-West Kowloon road link being considered
The Secretary for Transport, Mr Haider Barma, said that the Government was considering the option of funding a $4 billion road project which would link Tai Wai in the New Territories and West Kowloon.
Mr Barma revealed the plan at the Budget Debate in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday).
He stressed that there was no question of the Government not proceeding with justified projects simply because it could not be proceeded by way of Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT).
On traffic management schemes, Mr Barma said the Government remained firmly of the view that Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) was an efficient, equitable and flexible way of dealing with traffic congestion.
The following is the full text of Mr Barma's speech:
Mr Deputy President,
May I begin by thanking all those Honourable Members who attended the special session of Finance Committee to discuss transport issues as well as those who have spoken during this budget debate. I am particularly grateful to the Hon Miriam Lau, the Hon Zachary Wong Wai Yin, the Hon Cheung Hon Chung and the Hon Law Cheung Kwok for reflecting the aspirations and views of the party to which they belong. This has provided us with a useful pointer regarding our transport policies and programmes.
The underlying message that has emerged is that the Administration must continue to invest in the transport infrastructure. This is precisely the approach that has been adopted by the Administration as evidenced by the $25.6 billion spent on capital projects on transport over the past 5 years. And let me assure Hon Members that in the years ahead the Administration will continue to invest in new roads and railways to provide a comprehensive network for an efficient transport system capable of meeting the economic, social and recreational needs of the community into the 21st century.