54403/10/51
8
15
C.D. W. (D) No. 2124.
X
1.
HONG
KONG
MAINTENANCE OF SURVEY PARTY IN CONNECTION
ITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF PIERS IN THE NEW
TERRITORIES
GRANT OF £5,500
The Governor of Hong Kong applied in October 1949 for Colonial Development and Welfare assistance of £50,000 for construction of piers in the New Territories (sec Memorandum C.D.W. (D) No. 1533). An interim grant of £5,000 was made as Scheme No. D. 1243, to enable preliminary work to proceed, and a further grant of £48,883 was made in February 1950 as Scheme No. D. 1243A (See memorandum C.D.W. (D) No. 1934). As a result of various economies made in the arrangements for borings, which were to be carried out under Scheme No. D.1243, a sum of only £31. 5. Od. was incurred and was charged to Colony Works votes. No expenditure has in fact been charged to Scheme No. D. 1243 which is accordingly being cancelled.
2.
The Governor has sought approval for the use of the amount of £5,000 towards the maintenance of a survey party. It is necessary to survey approach roads to the Tai O pier to be constructed under Scheme No. D.1243A, and the other piers which Hong Kong is proposing to construct from local funds as its part of the general scheme for improving pier facilities in the New Territories. It is expected that the construction of piers at Silver Mine Bay (already constructed), and the other places selected, will lead to increased building activity in these areas. For this reason it is considered advisable to undertake some simple village planning to avoid the waterfront congestion which may easily result. This planning would take into account water supply and drainage problems; the personnel employed would prepare rural development schemes at each site recommended by the local Colonial Development and Welfare Committee, and supervise works. survey staff would be engaged locally on the terms appropriate to temporary employment for a period of two years.
3.
The Colonial Building Liaison Officer has been consulted and he considers that the proposals are logical and that the survey should produce useful results.
4.
It is accordingly intended to maintain for a period of between 18 months and 2 years a survey party to investigate the improvement of communications, village planning, minor water supplies, and related problems and it is proposed to make a grant of £5,500 for this purpose. Estimated annual expenditure is as follows:
One Assistant Engineer
One Assistant Surveyor
One Chainman
Four Survey Coolies
$10,560 p.a.
$6,000 p.a.
1,344 p.a.
4,320 p.a.
$22,224 p.a.
The
Cost of living, subsistence and travelling allowances
22,110 p.a.
Total
$44,334 p.a. (say 32,771).
15.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.