XN000022-1995-05-24 — Page 78

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Reclamation projects in HK

Following is a question by the Hon Emily Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Bowen Leung, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

when reclamation was first started in the territory, and what were the major reclamation projects completed since then;

(b)

how many of the total hectares of land have been formed by reclamation in the territory; and

(c)

of the total hectares of land will be formed by reclamation between now and 30 June 1997?

Answer:

Mr President,

Reclamation in Hong Kong can be traced back a long time. An examination of previous maps indicates that reclamation could have started in Flong Kong well before. 1887. However, some of the historical records cannot be traced now but it is generally understood that a lot of the built-up area on North Hong Kong Island, the coastal areas on West and East Kowloon were reclaimed before 1945.

All the reclamation works were done to acquire land for the social and economic development of Hong Kong. It is estimated that 5.400 hectares of our land were formed by reclamation up to September 1994. Recent examples include reclamation required for the formation of Shatin, Tuen Mun, Tseung Kwan O and Tin Shui Wai New Towns, container terminals, and industrial estates. More recently, reclamation works at West Kowloon, Chek Lap Kok Airport and Tseung Kwan ( Industrial Estate have been largely completed.

A number of reclamation projects are still in progress. and it is estimated that by 30 June 1997 they would form an additional 100 hectares of land for Hong Kong. These include the remaining part of West Kowloon, Central and Wanchai. Aldrich Bay, Belcher Bay and Stonecutters Island.

End/Wednesday, May 24, 1995