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"Those operators who are now monopolising the popular berthing spaces at a fraction of the market price will object strongly to the our proposals.
"The change will likely generate strong and active opposition from existing operators who will try every possible means to reject the new measures.
"Operators at the PCWAS are not different from their counterparts using the cargo handling facilities at container terminals, mid-stream and short-term tenancy sites."
"There is no reason that their commercial operation should entitle to public subsidy," Mr Tang stressed.
"Except those with vested interest, the sensible and rational members of the general public will agree and support the Government to maximise productivity at the PCWAs, yielding economic gains to the genuine operators and in turn to the society as a whole."
The tender system enables genuine operators to reduce the unnecessary costs such as paying subletting fees and leaving a barge idle for the purpose of occupying a berthing space.
The new reform offers an opportunity for the Government to redirect its resources to justified areas and at the same time to eliminate the unnecessary costs for the operators.
Nine PCWAs are under the management of the Marine Department and they are situated at Tsuen Wan, Rambler Channel, Kwun Tong, Yau Ma Tei, Cha Kwo Ling, Wan Chai, Western, Sheung Wan and Chai Wan.
The current timetable for the reform is that tenders will be invited this summer and the first tender is expected to be awarded before the end of the year.
End