(b)
(c)
12 -
For the Lantau Link Opening Ceremony, the New Airport Projects Co- ordination Office (NAPCO) is co-ordinating the preparation work. Direct expenses for the Ceremony are in the region of $7.5 million. These will come out of the funds approved for publicity and public relations for the Airport Core Programme. Staff costs are absorbed by Government departments within their current strength and various participating organisations. The fireworks display, at a cost of $5 million, is sponsored by a commercial enterprise.
Considering the opportunity offered for promoting our international image in being able to complete a substantial part of one of the largest infrastructural projects in the world ahead of schedule and below budget during the final years of transition, and for enhancement of our status as a service centre for infrastructural development and project management, we consider the efforts and resources put in organizing these events very good value for money.
With the objectives of drawing international and local attention to the completion of the ACP transportation network on time and within budget, and of encouraging community participation in celebrating the completion of a new Hong Kong landmark, NAPCO has been working with various Government departments and organisations on a series of events/activities to mark the opening of the Lantau Link:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
a formal opening ceremony of the Lantau Link on 27 April 1997, preceded by land parade, boat flotilla and flypast and followed by car procession and fireworks display;
an international marathon on the Lantau Link and North Lantau Expressway together with a 10-km running event on 4 May 1997; and
a Community Chest charity walk along Route 3 and the Lantau Link on 11 May 1997.
Whilst our target is to enable as many people to participate as practically feasible, it is difficult to estimate the precise number of people taking part in these activities. Many factors, such as weather and other attractive events held elsewhere, may well affect the actual number of participants. The following is a rough estimate:
(i)
some
2,400 (1,200 invited
and guests
1,200
participants/performers) for the Lantau Link Opening Ceremony and 300,000 spectators who are expected to view the fireworks display along Castle Peak Road;