XN000022-1995-11-15 — Page 65

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Reply:

Mr President,

(a)

The answers to the 3-part question are as follows:

The construction of three flood protection schemes covering nine villages, originally scheduled to start in 1995/96, will begin in 1996/97. The slippage is about ten months. The villages are Sha Po Tsuen, Chau Tau Tsuen, and seven villages at San Tin: Tsing Lung Tsuen, Wing Ping Tsuen, San Lung Tsuen, Fan Tin Tsuen, On Lung Tsuen, Tung Chan Wai and Yan Shau Wai. The schemes for Pok Wai Tsuen and Chuk Yuen will be delayed by about twelve months.

(b) Drainage Services Department is working closely with the District Lands Offices on land resumption and clearances required for the implementation of the village protection schemes. We have also set up a special committee comprising representatives from all relevant offices to review what can be done to overcome the problems encountered and to speed up the necessary procedures so that work can begin as quickly as possible. However, the Government has to proceed carefully with land resumption because it involves the property rights of land owners. This may sometimes mean taking longer than expected to complete the process.

(c)

Manpower in the Lands Department is only one of the factors. Other factors such as statutory procedures and the time required to deal with objections are also relevant. We are looking at ways to streamline the procedures and improve efficiency. We are also reviewing the priorities of the various activities undertaken by the Lands Department.

End/Wednesday, November 15, 1995