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In January 1995, Government invited KCRC to submit a proposal for the construction and operation of the WCR, targeted for completion by 2001. In response to this invitation, KCRC performed a Feasibility Study and submitted a Proposal to Government in November 1995.
The scheme proposed by KCRC is in general accordance with that laid down in the Railway Development Strategy, but in accordance with comments put to us during the consultation exercise, KCRC recommended that the rail line would be extended from Tuen Mun North to Tuen Mun Town Centre.
Time-table
To meet the target completion date of 2001, Government had envisaged the assessment of KCRC's submission and further studies, as well as negotiations with the Corporation to take place during 1996. We had aimed to arrive at a view on KCRC's proposal by the end of the year, to be followed by preparing and finalising the terms of a project agreement in 1997 and completing all necessary consultations leading to approval of the project and construction by 1998.
Examination of KCRC's Proposal
What has Government been doing since receipt of KCRC's proposals?
A Project Steering Committee, a Project Working Group as well as a number of task groups within Government were established in 1996 to undertake the careful consideration of KCRC's proposal. The Hon Zachary Wong has asked for a team to be set up to work on land resumption matters. This has been done. Lands Department has set up a planning team to look into the implications of all land aspects of the project, including land acquisition. Furthermore, with the assistance of engineering consultants, the employment of which was approved by Finance Committee, we are examining the technical aspects of KCRC's submission and the numerous engineering interface problems that need to be resolved. Financial consultants are assisting with evaluating the financial viability of the Corporation's proposal and recommending a preferred funding arrangement.
Why does the Government employ a separate team of consultants?