CO129-617-7 Development- possible implementation of CD and W Committee recommendations 18-2-1948 - 12-10-1948 — Page 43

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Recommendation No.1.

RC S

Paragraph 5 of

Hong Kong despatch.

Recommendation No.2.

PIERS

Paragraph 6 of Hong Kong despatch.

Recommendation No.3.

FERTILISER FACTORY

Paragraph 7 of Hong Kong Despatch.

Recommendation No.4.

IRRIGATION

Paragraph 8 of Hong Kong despatch.

MEMORANDUM.

The cost of construction of 24 miles of

feeder roads at £100,000 appears to be excessive,

but feeder roads are clearly an essential to

development. In the circumstances it is

suggested that £50,000 might be allocated to

feeder roads for the time being, to be spread

over the next two years, and that the position

should then be reviewed.

Here again the costs appear to be on the

high side, and it is suggested that £50,000

should be allocated for this purpose, to be

spread over the next two years, and that the

position should then be reviewed.

The fertiliser factory should be run as far

as possible on commercial lines. The project

appears, however, somewhat experimental and

in these circumstances, it is suggested that it

should be financed on the basis of 50% C.D. & W.

grant and 50% loan from other sources.

-

The estimates for this desirable project

seem to be far too low. An irrigation

engineer, if he can be obtained at the age

level contemplated, will cost with passages,

superannuation, etc., not less than £1,200 -

£1,500 per annum. His subordinate staff will

involve an expenditure of an equal amount and

for expenditure on works a sum equal to at

least double the total cost of salaries should

be allowed if technical skill is not to be

wasted. For a five-year scheme, an

estimate of £45,000 should be the minimum

budgeted for.

Recommendation/